The ‘Lord of the Rings’ franchise is expanding into a full-scale series of films and TV shows, following its successful live-action adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. Peter Jackson’s original trilogy was followed by another trilogy based on ‘The Hobbit’, while Prime Video explores the Second Age of Middle-earth in its series ‘The Rings of Power’. Now, Warner Bros. is looking to expand the franchise further with new spinoff movies, starting with the animated ‘War of the Rohirrim’.
With the announcement of new films, fans are speculating about which characters might get their own spinoffs. First up is Gollum, with the upcoming film ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ set for release in 2026, featuring familiar faces from the original trilogy, including Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Orlando Bloom as Legolas. While Gollum’s narrative deserves more exploration, there are other characters in Middle-earth, such as two underrated knights of Gondor, who also warrant their own stories.
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Boromir and Faramir, brothers from the original trilogy, are prime candidates for a spinoff. While audiences are introduced to Boromir as a member of the Fellowship and Faramir later in the story, their backgrounds are less explored. Raised during a tumultuous time in Gondor’s history, the brothers longed to restore their kingdom. A spinoff could delve into their childhood in Minas Tirith, showcasing their complex family dynamics, including their mother Finduilas, whose sudden death deeply affected them, and their father Denethor II, who struggled with despair and favouritism towards Boromir.
The proposed spinoff could reveal significant moments from their lives before ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’, including Faramir’s friendship with Gandalf, who acted as a mentor. It could also highlight Boromir’s more tender side and his protective nature towards Faramir following their mother’s death. This deeper exploration would challenge the perception of Boromir as merely power-hungry, presenting him instead as a noble hero invested in his people’s well-being.
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The Extended Editions of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films provide additional context, with scenes that depict Boromir and Faramir’s bond and the pressure they felt from their father. A notable scene before the trilogy’s events shows them reclaiming Osgiliath, where their father’s arrival complicates their victory. Further, Faramir’s post-war story, including his romance with Éowyn, is briefly touched upon but not fully explored, leaving fans wanting more insight into their lives after the War of the Ring.
A spinoff focusing on Boromir and Faramir could explore their relationships, rivalries, and the challenges they faced as knights of Gondor. Their stories are integral to the trilogy’s larger themes but are deserving of their own narratives, showcasing the battles and personal struggles they endure. This spinoff would allow audiences to appreciate Boromir’s heroism and Faramir’s gentler, more curious nature before the war, giving depth to these often-overlooked characters in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ saga.
–Farheen Ali