Amazon Studios has acquired the filmmaker Juan Antonio (J.A.) Bayona to direct the first two episodes of its upcoming as-yet-untitled The Lord of the Rings TV series based on JRR Tolkien's fantasy novel series.
J.A. Bayona will also serve as an executive producer, alongside his partner Belén Atienza.
Amazon Studios' Lord of the Rings fantasy drama series will be set during the Second Age and include the island of Númenor.
"JRR Tolkien created one of the most extraordinary and inspiring stories of all time, and as a lifelong fan it is an honour and a joy to join this amazing team," said J.A. Bayona in a statement released by Amazon Studios.
"I can’t wait to take audiences around the world back to Middle-earth and have them discover the wonders of the Second Age, with a never-before-seen story."
Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon Studios, said "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 multitalented producing partner, Belén. We are all excited for them to join our writers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, and we can’t think of a better way to begin this journey to Middle-earth."
"We are thrilled to have J.A. and Belen joining the fellowship as we continue to develop this epic series," said writers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. "We have been great admirers of J.A.'s work for years, and know that his epic, the cinematic, and deeply heartfelt aesthetic is the perfect sensibility to bring Middle-earth to life anew."
