According to a new report, J.A. Bayona has signed on to not only direct the first two episodes, but executive produce the show as well, alongside his producing partner Belen Atienza. They join a creative team that already includes writers JD Payne and Patrick McKay, who head up the writer’s room and previously penned Star Trek 4 for Paramount. Bayona had this to say in a statement.
“J.R.R. Tolkien created one of the most extraordinary and inspiring stories of all time, and as a lifelong fan it is an honor and a joy to join this amazing team. I can’t wait to take audiences around the world to Middle-earth and have them discover the wonders of the Second Age, with a never before seen story.”
Aside from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, which failed to win over critics but managed to gross $1.3 billion at the box office, J.A. Bayona has directed acclaimed movies such as his debut feature The Orphanage, and the real-life drama The Impossible. As far as TV goes, he previously helmed the first two episodes of Penny Dreadful.
“The scope and breadth of J.A.’s world-building is exactly the right fit for our ambitions for The Lord of the Rings. He’s a passionate and collaborative director who has brought new stories to life with his multi-talented producing partner, Belén. We are all excited for them to join our writers JD Payne and Patrick McKay, and we can’t think of a better way to begin this journey to Middle-earth.”
