Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Weta Workshop have partnered to create a wide range of authentic prop replicas, collectibles and merchandise based on the upcoming films, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again.Weta Workshop also worked on the design and physical effects for the upcoming films.
“Weta’s role behind the scenes of these two films makes them uniquely qualified to recreate the richly imaginative world of Middle-earth that their workshop helped bring to life,” says Kelly Gilmore, senior vice president, global toys and themed entertainment, WBCP. “This story will transport audiences to extraordinary new places, and we are thrilled to bring fans products that capture the artistry and spirit of these beloved properties.”
Weta plans to unveil the first products in the collection at San Diego Comic-Con in July; the rest of the line will be available at specialty retailers and online in October.
Weta Workshop will also continue their range of collectibles for The Lord of the Rings, which began more than 10 years ago.
"We are excited to be returning to Middle-earth,” says Richard Taylor, creative director, Weta Workshop. “We have been working with Peter Jackson and the product team on the design and production of the movies for the last four years, and we now get the chance to share our passion with fans and collectors. Our authentic prop replicas and collectibles are created by the very same artists who have worked on the two films, so effectively they come straight from Middle-earth."
Both movies are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be in theatres Dec. 14.
WBCP will be presenting The Hobbit in Booth 4454 at Licensing Expo, June 12-14 in Las Vegas, Nev.