3 Lord of the Rings Characters That Deserve Their Own Spinoff (#1 Almost Happened)

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Twenty years after Peter Jackson put so much effort into bringing it to life, The Lord of the Rings continues to be a cherished fantasy saga. Its characters are still extensively debated, referenced, and admired. This is because J.R.R. Tolkien crafted such a detailed world that even minor aspects could spawn entire tales. Middle-earth is filled with intriguing characters whose lesser roles in the original trilogy left us yearning to explore their histories more fully.

Although Amazon’s “The Rings of Power” and the movie “The Hobbit” delve into J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, they merely touch on some captivating characters from the trilogy. These intriguing heroes and villains deserve more in-depth exploration. If skillfully executed, their individual stories could significantly enhance the franchise by offering legitimate and engaging spin-offs that complement the original Lord of the Rings narrative.

3) Saruman

Saruman, once revered among Middle-earth’s elite, initially served as a respected figurehead for the White Council, resisting Sauron during times of great darkness before the events depicted in “The Lord of the Rings.” However, as portrayed in the films, he shifted allegiances and became a secondary antagonist, providing an ominous foil to Gandalf. Christopher Lee’s acting brought a chilling intensity to the role; however, his eventual betrayal was largely explained through dialogue rather than on-screen actions.

A Saruman prequel could delve into his intricate journey from wisdom to corruption, starting with his tenure as leader of the White Council. His unique access to the world’s secrets, particularly his studies of the Palantír, would be a key focus. The exploration of his growing mistrust towards Gandalf and his escalating thirst for power could transform this tale into an enthralling Shakespearean tragedy. Furthermore, it would offer insights into Saruman’s relationships with Radagast and other wizards, shedding light on lesser-known characters that fans are eager to learn more about.

A potential rephrasing for your text:

The fresh narrative could offer a new perspective on Saruman’s betrayal, delving deep into his motivations, revealing that his loyalty was not solely to “The Eye” but primarily driven by his personal ambition, which leans towards the selfish and crooked. By exposing his fundamental desires, vulnerabilities, and the intricacies of his plans, a spin-off would add depth and complexity to Saruman’s character. Moreover, his storyline could expand on the themes presented in LOTR, acting as a cautionary tale that highlights the perils of power and corruption.

2) Éowyn

In “The Two Towers,” Éowyn made a stunning appearance as King Théoden’s courageous niece, eventually playing a pivotal role in Tolkien’s epic tale. Her story reaches its zenith during the Battle of Pelennor Fields, where she valiantly confronted the Witch-king of Angmar and emerged victorious, significantly altering the course of the war. However, her character’s resolution following the war, which includes her romance with Faramir and her transition to a peaceful life, is regrettably underdeveloped in both the books and films.

A potential standalone story focusing on Éowyn could be either a continuation or an origin tale. The sequel might depict her readjusting to everyday life after being a warrior, delving into how she manages (or struggles) with this transition. It may touch upon the psychological impact of war, examining her conflicting emotions about relinquishing her sword, and portraying the full spectrum of her relationship with Faramir, including its challenges and flaws. Conversely, the prequel could delve deeper into Éowyn’s life in Rohan, detailing her secret training to become a shieldmaiden, and exploring the internal conflicts faced by a woman who was born into a culture that suppressed her courage.

No matter which approach is taken, a spinoff focusing on Éowyn would offer a chance to delve deeper into her narrative than the films could manage due to time constraints. By exploring her struggle between duty and personal liberation, we’d witness an uncommon Middle-earth tale centered around a woman, and she would receive the recognition she rightfully deserves as one of the trilogy’s most vital yet underappreciated characters.

1) Gimli

Gimli, the loyal yet headstrong dwarf from the trilogy, becomes one of the Fellowship’s most cherished members over time. His wit, courage, and memorable camaraderie with Legolas provide some of the most memorable quotes. However, his significant contribution to the fate of the Dwarves is not fully explored in the movies, leaving viewers with a more comedic interpretation of their favorite character. The films hint at Gimli’s intentions to restore his people’s lost glory, but these aspirations never reach the big screen. Furthermore, there were rumors that Amazon pitched a spin-off series focusing on Gimli, though nothing concrete has come from this idea so far.

A standalone series centered around Gimli might focus on events following Sauron’s downfall, delving into Gimli’s endeavors to help his people regain their former status in Middle-earth. The series could offer an exciting portrayal of Gimli’s journeys alongside Legolas, with their exploits serving as the foundation for a captivating miniseries. This narrative would follow the duo’s expeditions across the land, eradicating remnants of The Dark Lord and discovering long-lost strongholds.

The series might also provide intriguing glimpses into Gimli’s activities in the Luminous Caverns of Helm’s Deep, as well as his role in the reconstruction of Minas Tirith.

A potential rephrasing could be: This series would delve deeper into the dwarves’ world created by Tolkien, exploring aspects such as their culture, artistry, conflicts with elves, and efforts to reclaim their lost kingdoms. These elements promise a wealth of captivating storylines not fully explored in either “LOTR” or “The Hobbit”. With Gimli as the main character, the series would likely incorporate both emotional depth and high stakes, maintaining the camaraderie reminiscent of the Fellowship. Additionally, John Rhys-Davies has expressed interest in reprising his role, making this project even more appealing.

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2025-09-03 20:42