In January 2026, as The Lord of the Rings celebrates 25 years since the premiere of The Fellowship of the Ring, director Peter Jackson has finally put an end to one of the biggest rumors among fans. In an interview with Empire magazine, the filmmaker denies the existence of the legendary “Mithril Cut” – a supposed super-extended version of the trilogy – putting an end to years of speculation. This revelation comes on the eve of the theatrical re-release, which celebrates the historic milestone of the franchise that shaped fantasy cinema. In this way, Jackson calms the fans’ anxiety but already points to a new horizon for the archives of Middle-earth.
The director explained how the idea of an even longer cut would not be interesting, as there are no major unseen scenes stored away. Despite rumors of scenes like a beardless Aragorn courting Arwen in Lothlórien, screenwriter Philippa Boyens confirmed that the extra material is minimal. However, Jackson gave some good news: he maintains a vast archive with alternate takes, filming errors, and behind-the-scenes footage, which he dreams of turning into a gigantic documentary about the production. This project, however, still depends on studio approval, which keeps fans hoping to one day learn even more secrets behind the filming.
The Future of Middle-earth and Where to Watch
While the “Mithril Cut” is revealed to be a myth, Brazilian fans have a new reason to celebrate. The next chapter of the universe, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, directed by and starring Andy Serkis, is already in production with a scheduled release for December 2027. Philippa Boyens, who visited the set, joked about Serkis’s impressive physical shape, as he is already immersed in the role. Meanwhile, to relive the original adventure, the complete trilogy – both the theatrical and extended cuts – is available for streaming in the HBO Max catalog in Brazil. Therefore, even without a new version, the journey through Middle-earth continues more alive than ever, offering new experiences in both the cinematic past and future.
