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The Verge
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Inside the struggle to create a cozy Lord of the Rings game
When new employees start at Weta Workshop, they're herded into a meeting room with a long, unassuming conference table. On the walls, behind panes of glass and in between statues, swords, and masks, are five Oscars. Four of them were awarded to the studio for its efforts on Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films. New hires are offered a chance to hold one of those Oscars, but there's a catch: handling the golden statuette marks you with a curse, preventing you from ever winning one yourself. Rarely do inductees take Weta up on the offer. Weta Workshop's fledgling Game Studio hasn't achieved the same level of prestige as its film and special effects teams. There's been no success to build superstition, no room for myths. And yet, the studio's first major console release, Tales of the Shire, seems to have inherited its own curse. According to more than a dozen current and former employees, the game's development has been hobbled by ineffective management, plagued with poor decision-making and communication, sidetracked by circumstance, and, ultimately, spoiled by the company's inexperience in building high-profile video games. One former employee said, 'It's a miracle this game is coming out at all.' Another said making it has been 'hell.' The studio lurched from deadline to deadline to get the game out the door, and a culture of distrust and crunch left staff feeling burnt out, they said. All those who spoke with The Verge requested anonymity, fearing retaliation for breaches of confidentiality. In October 2024, the studio announced to staff that it would be restructuring, laying off nine staff and disestablishing the positions of lead producer and lead game designer. The changes came as a shock, eroding morale and driving a wedge between Weta's leadership team and its developers, according to our sources. Four more staff members resigned in the succeeding weeks, dropping the studio's headcount to approximately 30. While redundancies have become a familiar story in games, particularly in the last two years, the tale of Weta's Game Studio isn't quite that story. It's the story of a studio attempting to make a big leap into console gaming, one that shows what Weta could do with a Lord of the Rings game. Ultimately, it's a story about inexperience, exhaustion, the difficulty of developing video games, misunderstandings, and mismanagement. Perhaps most importantly, it's a story about perseverance — the tiny marvel of making a video game when the odds are stacked against you. Weta Workshop's Game Studio was established in 2012. It came into being during a partnership with buzzy US tech startup Magic Leap, tasked with building gaming experiences for its augmented reality headset. The studio's staff numbers swelled, and it produced several titles to muted fanfare, including Dr. Grordbort's Invaders and Dr. Grordbort's Boosters. When Magic Leap discontinued development of its headset in 2020, a significant but undisclosed number of employees at the Game Studio were made redundant. Out of the ashes, remaining staff planted the first seeds for Tales of the Shire. In 2020, 'cozy' games were exploding in popularity, buoyed by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and the runaway success of Animal Crossing. The rolling green hills of the Shire provided an ideal backdrop, and Weta Workshop had delivered huge wins with the Lord of the Rings franchise. The pitch for Tales of the Shire piqued the interest of Private Division, which was an independent label of US-based gaming giant Take-Two Interactive at the time. Private Division provided funding to build a prototype, and by 2022, it had seen enough to partner with Weta and help the studio bring the game to life. Weta Workshop had never made a video game like Tales of the Shire before. Employees familiar with development suggested the experience that staff had gained working on Magic Leap titles didn't easily translate to commercial 'double A' titles. From early on, there appeared to be signs of trouble. The game felt more like a handful of disparate quests and minigames, with a lack of focus on gameplay loops, several staff said. This isn't wholly unusual — game development can be patchwork, a slow and iterative process pulling varying elements together. But the lack of direction put the studio on the backfoot. According to several developers, Weta's senior leadership did not view making video games as all that different from its work in film. And because of this, employees and former staff suggested the studio didn't adequately invest in senior talent or resource the project appropriately. Departments such as design and programming were either understaffed or inexperienced from the beginning, they said, and Weta was aware of the issue but didn't act to resolve it. There were also communication issues between departments. One incident, multiple sources told us, was related to the addition of an in-game economic system revolving around collecting buttons. The idea was that, each night after a feast, fat hobbits' waistcoats would burst open, leaving buttons around the village. The player could pick them up and trade them for items. The feature was greenlit by production and then had to be dropped — there simply wasn't enough time to add it in against impending deadlines. When the lead designer decided to implement it anyway, staff said it caused significant tension and set the team back a few days. 'We were always chasing after the next milestone and the next milestone, and the timelines we were given were near impossible,' said one Weta employee who worked on Tales of the Shire for multiple years. The team prioritized hitting milestones, which meant several suggested features and ideas never made it into the game. But the team was hitting deadlines without tackling underlying problems in the code base, which one employee referred to as 'a pile of dogshit.' Sometimes, they said, this meant taking shortcuts. Often, it meant they missed crucial time for refactoring, the process of trimming down the code to make it easier to work with. Instead of hiring senior programmers, they said they were kicking the can down the road, incurring a significant tech debt and creating a backlog of work to deal with. About 18 months into the project, Tales of the Shire had to contend with a shift in leadership, one that employees said tanked morale. After studio director Amie Wolken quit Weta in November 2023 to take a position as CEO at Dinosaur Polo Club, a New Zealand indie studio, Weta needed a replacement. It took six months to find Tony Lawrence, who arrived at Weta in April 2024. Lawrence had a long career in Australia at multiple studios, including as head of 2K Australia. During his seven-year tenure there, the studio delivered two successful BioShock games and a Borderlands title. After leaving 2K, Lawrence worked at developer Mighty Kingdom, where he served as executive director and chief operating officer when the studio listed on Australia's stock exchange in April 2021. Mighty Kingdom was once considered a shining light of the Australian games industry, but during Lawrence's reign, it released just one console game — Conan Chop Chop — that launched to disappointing sales, and the company's share price crashed 98 percent. After his hiring at Weta, there was an 'instantaneous' shift in the studio's vibe, according to one employee. 'It was like the air stilled, you could feel it, and morale slowly started to crumble from there on,' they said. Those familiar with Lawrence's hiring said the process felt rushed and noted that Lawrence did not meet with those inside the studio who would be reporting to him. This, one senior team member noted, was 'very weird.' 'It was like the air stilled.' Lawrence did not respond to a request for comment. Weta did not respond to specific questions around his employment either. In January 2025, as The Verge was investigating this story, Lawrence led an all-staff meeting to discuss breaches of confidentiality. In that meeting, he told staff that 'it's not cool to talk to journalists,' discouraging them from speaking about their experiences. Wolken also did not respond to a request for comment. Alongside internal issues, Tales of the Shire had to contend with a major external one: uncertainty over the fate of its publisher, Private Division. In May 2024, IGN reported Take-Two was 'quietly killing' the label, slashing staff numbers and closing two of its studios. By November, Private Division had been sold to an unknown buyer. The upheaval occurred toward the final stages of development on Tales of the Shire and left Weta in limbo for several months. According to multiple sources, Weta also waited on milestone payments. (Private Division did not respond to a request for comment.) It was unclear to Weta employees exactly when, or if, Private Division would continue. Several staff noted the situation with Private Division was demoralizing, igniting concerns the game may even be canceled. In January, Bloomberg revealed former staff of publishing house Annapurna Interactive had purchased Private Division's games and franchises from Take-Two, including Tales of the Shire, with the backing of Haveli Investments, a private equity firm based in Austin, Texas. The new publisher, revealed during this year's Summer Games Fest, is named Fictions. Weta received its milestone payments, but there has still been confusion for staff, internally, about the state of publishing and which company is overseeing it. Former copresident of Annapurna, Deborah Mars, is listed as cofounder and cohead of Fictions on LinkedIn. She did not respond to a request for comment in March. Fictions did not respond to a subsequent request for comment in June. The press email listed on Private Division's website bounces. In an emailed statement, Jessica Wallace, chief marketing officer at Weta Workshop, said, 'Neither the departure of Amie nor the challenges [Private Division] has had through the year has impacted directly on the team's work building a great game.' One of the most pernicious issues in game development is 'crunch,' a practice variously defined as 'extended periods of drastic overtime' or 'a sudden spike in work hours.' The effect of crunch has been well-studied, with the exploit leaving lasting effects on physical and mental health. Many current and former Weta staff said they worked long hours, especially as deadlines approached. 'It was a systemic problem,' one experienced developer said. 'It was a resourcing problem and general mismanagement of the project.' Three staff members who spoke to The Verge said they felt pressure to work overtime coming from management and senior leadership. In August 2024, as a crucial deadline approached, a company-wide meeting was called. According to those who attended, Weta's leadership suggested that if the team did not meet this major milestone, then there was real concern over the studio's long-term sustainability. One staff member told The Verge it felt like the team was 'strongly encouraged to crunch' in that meeting. Another former staff member said that leadership had previously told the studio there was no crunch because such a practice involved working 70 hours or more per week for several months. 'I felt a little bit gaslit, given the amount of work that I was doing,' they said. However, there are employees who shied away from dubbing the extra hours as 'crunch,' but noted there were broader issues related to overwork and burnout in parts of the development team. One employee stated, 'I do not see our studio as a crunch studio,' suggesting the problem was specific to certain developers who chose to work extra hours and consistently accrued overtime. The studio works on a 'swings and roundabouts' model, which is meant to provide employees with the flexibility to bank hours worked and take time off later. In practice, this caused havoc. One staff member mentioned time off was not tracked well, so it was difficult to adequately resource or finance as needs shifted. Often, they said, staff would work extra hours, but they didn't receive that time back in kind — there was simply no opportunity to take time off with deadlines baring down. Wallace responded to this by stating, 'There was no 'crunch' during the development of Tales of the Shire. We extended deadlines to prioritize the well-being of our team, and all staff worked under New Zealand employment agreements, which ensure fair and adequate compensation for all hours worked.' There is nothing indicating Weta Workshop acted illegally, but staff that spoke to The Verge said there were definitely crunch periods during development of Tales of the Shire. One staff member said they could not remember a time when they were not working beyond 50 hours a week. Another responded to Weta's statement saying there was no crunch by simply texting back 'lol.' On October 4th, 2024, in an all staff meeting, Weta's executive team announced there would be a round of redundancies. It was an incredibly disruptive event that shook the team. 'That really came out of the blue for us,' said one senior developer. Leadership explained the need to cut staff was to provide the studio with long-term sustainability. Other parts of Weta's business were feeling the effects of the pandemic slump in tourism and film, and the studio had yet to sign another contract to fund future projects. Every staff member who spoke with The Verge expressed disappointment. 'It was handled terribly,' said a former member of the team. After the announcement, one staff member said it felt like the 'Hunger Games trials to keep your jobs.' They said those whose roles were being 'disestablished' would need to reapply for their jobs or other jobs within the studio. One developer said that, post-announcement, coming into work 'felt like coming to a funeral.' According to documentation seen by The Verge, the core development team on Tales of the Shire was predominantly male. Only four senior leadership positions on the project were held by women, while 18 were held by men in early 2024. The redundancies in October 2024 saw the departure of four non-male employees on the team. Today, the studio has five non-male employees on its roster of 26 development staff, sources said. Those ratios are not uncommon in modern, mid-sized studios, but sources noted that this had left diverse voices out of key meetings. After a final version of the game was completed in November 2024, about half of the studio began working on DLC, although no contract for that work had been signed with a publisher. Other studio heads that The Verge spoke to suggested this is normal as a game approaches release — and for Weta, it helped keep some members of the studio employed — but it is risky given the difficulties already encountered during development, particularly amid the current state of the games industry. Meanwhile, the other half was tasked with building out the studio's next prototype. The Verge has learned this prototype is codenamed 'Groundhog' and is again based on The Lord of the Rings. It is a roguelike, drawing inspiration from the likes of Baldur's Gate and Diablo. In an effort to ready the prototype for the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California, this past March, where Weta could pitch it to prospective publishers, some employees suggested the crunch culture and overtime hours persisted. 'There's definitely been crunch, and there's definitely still people doing crunch,' one developer told The Verge in January. In February, Weta announced Tales of the Shire's release would be delayed until July 29th, 2025 (a scheduled mobile version for Netflix was also canceled last year). The Verge understands this is to ensure quality assurance has been performed on all platforms, with the Switch port being particularly tricky to get running smoothly. In addition, The Verge has learned that work on Tales of the Shire DLC was paused in February with no certainty the game will receive content updates at all. In a February 21st memo to staff, Kelly Tyson, the general manager of product at Weta Workshop wrote that Private Division (at the time, codenamed Vero) would deliver a part payment recognizing the studio's DLC efforts, but 'all post-launch content decisions have been delayed until the games in market performance is determined.' Tyson also stated there was a 'funding gap' and the studio would attempt to reduce costs by moving all staff to a four-day workweek, with a 20 percent pay cut for a period of three months. The February 21st email called this a 'temporary change,' adding that the goal is to 'keep as many people employed as possible.' The change was reversed in mid-May, ahead of schedule, as the studio worked to polish its Groundhog prototype in the hopes of signing a publisher. Those familiar with development have said it feels like a last ditch, all-in effort to keep the studio going, and The Verge understands there are multiple publishers interested in the game. With Tales of the Shire ready for release, Weta's Game Studio now must fight for survival in an industry trying to find its feet after two tumultuous years. Investment is much harder to come by, redundancies and closures have become commonplace. So what's next? Lawrence is charged with setting the studio's direction going forward, but there are concerns, internally and externally, about his plans. An executive vision for the game studio, revealed to The Verge in a leaked PowerPoint presentation, is that Weta will become a 'work for hire creative services business.' The presentation, delivered in late 2024, suggests the company will 'seek to have worked on five games' over the next five years. It hopes to release at least three, including Tales of the Shire. One staff member said the feeling in the studio was that this presentation was not aimed at staff but seemed to be designed to appease Weta's executives. According to a senior figure in the Australian games industry with knowledge of the strategy, this is a recipe for continued overtime and poor working conditions. 'I, and the wider industry, would love to know how Weta plans to release five games in five years at AAA quality with an A budget, without implementing crunch or exploiting their staff,' they said. We asked Weta to explain this strategy, but it did not respond. Despite the challenging environment and burnout, Tales of the Shire is still scheduled to release in July. When I asked current and former staff their enduring memories of making the game, there was a common theme: they truly care about the world they've built. Several reiterated how dedicated the development team was, striving to live up to the franchise's lofty expectations. 'I could genuinely spend hours playing my own video game, which is probably kind of rare for a developer to say,' one developer said. 'It should be a time of celebration.' In between it all, they've had to contend with periods of crunch and circumstances beyond their control. 'It is in spite of Weta Workshop's leadership that there's a video game made,' said a senior member of the development team. 'It should be a time of celebration, but there's so many people who won't get to celebrate their wins because of this fight against the odds.' Many staff said working at Weta was a lifelong dream — a career highlight. There was excitement about joining a project like Tales of the Shire, especially for those who grew up as fans of The Lord of the Rings. But some of those feelings have eroded. 'The personal pride I have felt about this company is just completely tarnished,' said one former employee. Without significant changes, current and former staff believe the problems experienced developing Tales of the Shire are destined to repeat. 'I don't have a lot of faith in what work we will have after [Tales of the Shire],' one staff member said. Another mentioned ongoing communication and management issues have been flagged with senior Weta members multiple times, but they feel as if the complaints have largely been ignored or dismissed. In the meantime, the uncertainty around the future of Weta Workshop's Game Studio and its next project has left some looking for an exit. But staff believe there is a way to break the curse and buck the trends of the past two years: invest in, and trust, people. To quote one experienced developer: 'I genuinely think that if Weta Workshop nurtured the brilliance in the studio, they could just sit back and profit.' Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Jackson Ryan Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Entertainment Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. 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Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
What Are the Must-Have Items for a Complete Middle-earth Memorabilia Collection?
For fans of Tolkien's epic fantasy universe, collecting Middle-earth memorabilia is about more than just buying merchandise. It's about bringing a piece of that world home—whether that's the rolling hills of the Shire, the halls of Minas Tirith or the darkness of Mordor. A complete Lord of the Rings or Hobbit-themed collection doesn't happen overnight. But knowing what to look for can help collectors and new fans alike build something meaningful, valuable and deeply connected to the stories they love. Suppose you're wondering what belongs in a well-rounded Middle-earth memorabilia collection. In that case, this guide will walk you through the essentials—covering everything from movie props and replica swords to detailed figurines and limited-edition prints. Why Collect Middle-earth Memorabilia? Middle-earth has captured imaginations for generations. Whether you were introduced through the original books, Peter Jackson's films or The Rings of Power series, the appeal remains the same: a rich, immersive world full of unforgettable characters and timeless themes. Collecting items from this universe is a way to stay connected to that magic. It can also be a smart investment. Limited-edition Lord of the Rings collectables often increase in value over time—especially if kept in good condition. Searches for terms like buy LOTR replica swords UK, Middle-earth collectable figurines, and best Tolkien merchandise have risen steadily as fans seek both display-worthy items and unique gifts. 1. Replica Swords and Weapons One of the most iconic parts of any Middle-earth collection is the sword stall replica sword. These pieces bring the heroic spirit of the characters to life and look impressive when displayed on a wall or in a cabinet. Popular items include: Andúril, Flame of the West – the reforged sword of Aragorn Sting – the Elvish blade wielded by Frodo and previously Bilbo Glamdring – Gandalf's sword, used in both The Hobbit and LOTR trilogies The Witch-King's sword – for those who enjoy darker elements of the lore These are often full-scale replicas, crafted from stainless steel or high-grade materials. Some come with wall plaques or display stands, and many are officially licensed. Fans looking for Lord of the Rings swords for sale UK or authentic Tolkien weapon replicas should always check for licensing and quality. 2. Character Figurines and Statues Highly detailed figurines are another cornerstone of any memorabilia collection. These range from small plastic figures to large-scale resin statues and limited-edition sculptures. Brands like Weta Workshop are well known for creating film-accurate figures of characters such as: Frodo Baggins Gandalf the Grey Aragorn and Arwen Legolas and Gimli Gollum Sauron and the Nazgûl Some statues are hand-painted and limited to a set number, making them highly sought after by serious collectors. Search interest in Weta LOTR statues UK, Middle-earth character figurines, and collectable Tolkien display pieces is consistently strong, particularly around major release anniversaries or fan conventions. 3. The One Ring and Other Jewellery No Middle-earth collection would be complete without the One Ring itself. Available in gold, silver and plated finishes, these replicas often come in presentation boxes or with Elvish inscription engraving. Other notable jewellery pieces include: Arwen's Evenstar pendant Galadriel's Elven ring, Nenya Dwarven rings of power Whether for display or occasional wear, these pieces hold significant meaning within the lore and make excellent collector's items or gifts for fans. 4. Map of Middle-earth A map is essential for any Tolkien fan who enjoys exploring the world in detail. High-quality prints of Middle-earth can serve as both decoration and reference. Options include: Aged parchment-style maps of Middle-earth Framed editions with calligraphy Maps focused on specific regions such as Rohan, Gondor or the Shire Many collectors also enjoy maps that include both the First and Third Ages, offering a wider historical view. Searches for Middle-earth map wall art or LOTR framed map UK are popular with fans looking to decorate their reading nook or display room. 5. Themed Homeware and Decor Some collectors prefer practical items that still carry that Middle-earth charm. Mugs, coasters, posters, clocks, and bookends featuring designs inspired by the films and books offer a way to enjoy the fandom in everyday life. You might also find: Wooden signs for 'The Shire' or 'Bag End' Door mats with quotes like 'No admittance except on party business' Wall scrolls featuring scenes from the films These pieces are often searched for under Tolkien home decor, Shire-themed gifts, or LOTR fan merchandise. 6. Limited Edition Art Prints and Books For serious collectors, limited-edition art prints, hardback collector's editions, and signed illustrations can be highly valuable. Look for: Prints from artists like Alan Lee or John Howe Boxed sets with foil detail and embossed covers Numbered or signed editions of Tolkien's works Film production sketches or concept art books Collectors often search for Tolkien illustrated editions, Middle-earth art prints, or Lord of the Rings deluxe books when building a more literary or visual collection. 7. Film Props and Behind-the-Scenes Items For advanced collectors, original film props, production replicas, or autographed items are the ultimate prize. These are typically more expensive but offer unmatched authenticity. Examples might include: Scripts signed by cast members Replica clapperboards from the film sets Costume pieces like cloaks or brooches This type of memorabilia is often found through specialist dealers or auctions and is highly prized in fan communities. Search interest in authentic LOTR props, signed Lord of the Rings items, and film-used Tolkien memorabilia peaks during fan events or meets. Final Thoughts Whether you're just starting your Middle-earth collection or looking to complete it with standout pieces, the world of Tolkien collectables is vast and exciting. From replica swords and statues to maps and rare editions, each item adds depth and character to your display. The key is to collect what connects with you—whether that's Frodo's courage, Gandalf's wisdom, or the rich history of Elves, Dwarves and Men. With so many official and fan-approved items available online, building the perfect collection is more accessible than ever. Like this: Like Related
Epoch Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
NZ to Spend Another Half Billion Dollars to Lure Hollywood Back to ‘Wellywood'
The New Zealand government is to try to regain the country's status as a movie location of choice for big-budget Hollywood productions—something that saw Wellington widely referred to as 'Wellywood' in its heyday. To do so, available funding for the International Screen Production Rebate will increase to $250 million (US$147 million) for 2024/25, and to $210 million from 2025/26 onwards. Eligible productions will be entitled to a 20 percent rebate where production costs are more than $15 million for feature films, and $4 million for television productions. 'A further 5 percent rebate is available to productions spending more than $30 million, which meet additional criteria for industry and economic growth,' Finance Minister Nicola Willis said. The local screen industry keeps about 24,000 people in work and has generated about $3.5 billion in annual revenue, she said. Overseas film companies' local productions had brought nearly $7.5 billion to New Zealand in the past decade, which was supported by $1.5 billion in rebate payments. Related Stories 5/15/2025 5/8/2025 'The reality is we simply won't get the offshore investment in our highly successful screen sector without continuing this scheme,' Willis said. Aiming to Regain Hollywood Popularity The unique geography of the small South Pacific country, coupled with modern facilities such as high-speed broadband and state-of-the-art post-production facilities, have seen major movies filmed there including Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy, Mission Impossible: Fallout, M3GAN, the Avatar series of films, and the 2005 version of King Kong. However, landscape and amenities aren't enough on their own, with other countries keen to attract big-budget epics not just for the money they bring to the local economy but also the tourism boost they provide. New Zealand tourist operators still profit from taking visitors to Lord of the Rings locations, including the town of Hobbiton, now a permanent fixture. It's been 22 years since Wellington came to a halt for the world premiere of the first of the LOTR movies. Although successive governments have maintained the subsidy, other countries have since started offering more. Cabinet therefore decided to increase support to better reflect 'current forecast demand,' according to Willis, who made the announcement at Jackson's Weta Workshop production facility in Wellington. Latest to enter an increasingly crowded market is Queensland, which plans to become 'a global leader in the screen industry by 2028' by offering government incentives (
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Farewell Eagles… Hobbit Sculptures Removed from Wellington Airport
For more than a decade, a pair of Hobbit-inspired eagle sculptures have cast a watchful eye over visitors at New Zealand's Wellington Airport. But the giant birds will be unfastened from the ceiling on Friday to make way for a new mystery exhibit, airport authorities said. According to BBC, the eagles appear as messengers in JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, which were adapted to film by New Zealand's Sir Peter Jackson. The spectacular New Zealand landscapes featured in Jackson's films are a consistent draw for tourists, who are greeted at the airport by the eagle sculptures. 'It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us, 'Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said in a statement. The giant eagles will be placed in storage and there have not been long-term plans for them. Each eagle weighs 1.2 tons with a wingspan of 15 meters. Riding on the back of one of the birds is a sculpture of the wizard, Gandalf. Made of polystyrene and with an internal steel skeleton, each eagle has hundreds of feathers, the longest one measuring 2.4 meters. While the iconic eagles will soon be gone, not all is lost for fans of the franchise: Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon in The Hobbit, will continue to be displayed at the check-in area. The eagles were unveiled in 2013, around the time of the release of The Hobbit trilogy. The giant sculptures were produced by Wētā Workshop, the New Zealand-based company that made costumes and props for The Lord of the Rings franchise. 'We're working with Wētā Workshop on some exciting plans for a unique, locally themed replacement to take their place,' Clarke said. 'We'll unveil what's next later this year so keep watching the skies.'
The Age
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
‘It breaks my heart': Giant Gandalf sculpture in NZ airport to be removed
For more than a decade, passengers at New Zealand 's Wellington Airport have boarded flights below the figures of two giant, hovering eagles from The Hobbit films, one bearing a bellowing wizard Gandalf. With 15-metre wingspans and weighing more than a tonne each, the sculptures that hover in the terminal have delighted tourists and scared children since 2013. Their tenure was eventful — one became unmoored from its fixings during a severe earthquake in 2016, and plummeted onto the terminal floor below. No one was hurt. But this month the majestic creatures, which underscore the capital city's connection to Peter Jackson 's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, will depart the terminal for good, Wellington Airport announced on Monday. 'It's been quite a Lord of the Rings -heavy storytelling theme in here,' said airport chief executive Matt Clarke. 'Now we're looking to change that to something new.' 'It breaks my heart,' said one traveller, Verity Johnson, who sat beneath a grasping eagle claw in the food court on Monday. The sculptures had impressed her since she was young. 'Please, please reconsider.' 'Taking them away is un-New Zealand,' joked another airport visitor, Michael Parks. The eagles were crafted by the film props and effects company Weta Workshop, which created tens of thousands of props for the Oscar-winning fantasy films directed by Jackson – one of Wellington's best-known residents, who lives on an isthmus near the airport. The movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novels generated billions of dollars in tourism revenue for New Zealand and employed thousands of people in Wellington over the 15 years of the movies' production. But during the years the eagles have hovered in the terminal, Tolkien tourism has waned in Wellington — although the city will perhaps always be synonymous with Jackson's films. Guided tours still convey fans to the settings of famous scenes from the films and to visit production companies such as Weta, which will create a new display for the airport, to be unveiled later this year, Clarke said.
