‘Rings Of Power’ Makes History As The Most Expensive Show Ever With Projected Cost Set At Over $1 Billion

Creators spill the tea behind TV’s most expensive show.

Jesse

• Published in News
• August 29, 2024

The world of Middle-earth has always been a place where epic battles, mythical creatures, and breathtaking landscapes come to life. So, when Amazon decided to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary universe to the small screen with "The Rings of Power," it was clear that this was going to be no ordinary TV show.

However, even die-hard fans were left gobsmacked when they heard the projected cost.

As we eagerly await the second season, the showrunners have opened up about the astronomical expenses that make this series one of the most expensive in TV history. 

Season one alone racked up a whopping $140 million in production costs—mind you, that's before we even get to the jaw-dropping $250 million Amazon Prime shelled out just for the television rights to J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved saga.

And that’s not even the half of it. According to reports, Amazon’s plan to produce five seasons of this fantasy epic is projected to exceed a billion dollars. That’s right—a billion, with a "B." 

Where exactly does all this money go? The cast doesn’t include anyone commanding Robert Downey Jr.’s $100 million paycheck, so why does "Rings of Power" cost as much as a small country's GDP?

The showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay dished on just where all that gold is being spent—and no, it’s not on an endless supply of lembas bread.

Creators behind the billion-dollar epic: J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay

Let’s be real: creating Middle-earth isn’t exactly a cheap endeavor. According to Patrick McKay, Amazon was willing to go all out because they saw the value in Tolkien’s imagination and wanted to bring it to life in a way that did justice to his epic vision. 

In other words, the money isn’t just being thrown around for the sake of spectacle. Every penny is being spent with the intention of creating something truly extraordinary from the ground up.

The epic visuals justify every penny spent

Whether it's the grand halls of Khazad-dûm, the lush landscapes of Lindon, or the detailed architecture of Númenor, every detail is painstakingly crafted. McKay noted, "We look at each of the worlds... and we say, what is it going to take to realize that world? If we can't do it in a way that, you know, is spectacular, we don't do it.”

And speaking of spectacular, buckle up for some truly epic battles in season two. Payne and McKay teased a siege spanning three episodes, complete with everything from horse charges and aerial bombardments to trench warfare and troll fights. 

Payne hinted at the scale of the spectacle, describing “Stalingrad-like” street battles and a variety of combat scenes that promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

With season two set to premiere on August 29, the creators of "The Rings of Power" are betting big that their lavish spending will pay off. One thing is certain: Amazon is committed to making "The Rings of Power" the most visually stunning show on television. Whether or not it’s worth a billion dollars? Only time—and the

Jesse