Amazon’s decision to spend over $200m on a new Lord Of The Rings television series, with a further spin-off included in the deal, has certainly sent ripples around the internet over the past few days. What, people not unfairly ask, can Amazon do with a series that can improve on Peter Jackson’s extraordinary trilogy of films?

We won’t find out until the show hits our screens in 2019. But already, there have been ramifications.

Firstly, Christopher Tolkien, the literary heir and son of J R R Tolkien, has resigned from the Tolkien estate. The 93 year old was, according to The One Ring, resistant to the Amazon deal. As per its report, “I had heard through rock solid, but not reportable sources several years ago that other members of the estate were much more willing to negotiate J.R.R. Tolkien’s properties while Christopher was far more interested in preserving legacy than money”.

Christopher Tolkien reportedly resigned his position at the end of August, as talks over a TV show were escalating. The One Ring’s report is here.

Then, John Rhys Davies – one of the original Fellowship from Jackson’s films – chatted to Den Of Geek, and the subject of the new series came up.

“Why we quite need Lord Of The Rings as a TV series baffles me slightly”, he admitted. “I mean the extraordinary money they’re getting from online gambling and stuff like this, it’s just a disgrace. I mean, poor Tolkien must be spinning in his grave”

He mournfully added that “it’s not about doing it better, it’s about making more money that’s all. If they think they can make more money, then they will”.

Amazon has yet to announce the key personnel who will steer the Lord Of The Rings TV show. But they’ve clearly got a lot to live up to…