Part 9/16:
However, pursuing more ambitious projects came with risks. The studio’s attempt to adapt The Lord of the Rings—a saga long considered impossible to film—culminated in a massive gamble. After multiple failed attempts over the decades, Peter Jackson’s 1995 pitch finally gained traction when Miramax relinquished the rights, and New Line committed approximately $270 million to create the trilogy.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003) was a monumental success: grossing approximately $2.9 billion globally, earning 16 Academy Awards, and elevating New Line’s reputation from scrappy indie studio to major player. Their ambitions swelled, leading to dozens of new hires and plans for more epic fantasy films.