Tolkien stars Nicholas Hoult as the titular fantasy author who brought the world to Middle Earth. His works have been lauded as some of the best writing, both as fantasy and as pure prose. The biopic, however, was not approved of by the Tolkien Estate.
With Netflix creating more and more original content, many moviegoers expect to be able to see new films from home.
And more movies are also getting simultaneous streaming releases.
But Tolkien remains one of the traditional films released directly and exclusively to cinemas.
The movie’s official plot synopsis reads: “Tolkien explores the formative years of the renowned author’s life as he finds friendship, courage and inspiration among a fellow group of writers and artists at school.
“Their brotherhood strengthens as they grow up and weather love and loss together, including Tolkien’s tumultuous courtship of his beloved Edith Bratt, until the outbreak of the First World War which threatens to tear their fellowship apart.
“All of these experiences would later inspire Tolkien to write his famous Middle-earth novels.
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As for the Tolkien Estate’s take on the film, they released a statement which read: “The family of J.R.R. Tolkien and the Tolkien Estate are aware of the Fox Searchlight motion picture entitled ‘Tolkien’ that is due for release in May 2019.
“The family and the estate wish to make clear that they did not approve of, authorize or participate in the making of this film.”
The statement further added: “They do not endorse it or its content in any way.”
The Hollywood Reporter added an estate representative said the estate had not seen the film and was not objecting to any scene in particular.
Tolkien is now playing in cinemas.
