Imagine a world where The Lord of the Rings lore is not only respected but expanded upon with deep, character-driven storytelling. Enter The Rings of Power pitch meeting, where one fan has crafted a vision that could have transformed the controversial series into a masterpiece. The concept? A tale centered around one of the nine kings who received a ring of power — a compelling story of corruption, betrayal, and tragic heroism.
The king in question starts his journey on the brink of realizing the dark nature of the ring. It hasn’t fully consumed him yet, but it’s clear that the ring is slowly tightening its grip on his will. He struggles, knowing something is off, but is not yet capable of removing the ring — a symbol of the dangerous allure of power. Over the series, the tension builds as he becomes an unwitting puppet of Sauron, even as he fights against the growing darkness within.
In a pitch reminiscent of classic Tolkien storytelling, this king’s journey becomes a complex exploration of morality. His descent into becoming a Nazgûl doesn’t happen immediately. Instead, he uses the last vestiges of his free will to work against Sauron in secret. Knowing that his fate is sealed, the king orchestrates a plan that will ultimately play a role in Sauron’s first downfall — setting the stage for Isildur’s victory, even though he himself is doomed to serve Sauron for eternity as one of the wraiths.
The beauty of this pitch lies in its respect for the source material, crafting a gripping narrative that stays true to Tolkien’s themes of power, corruption, and sacrifice. Unlike The Rings of Power series, which has been criticized for altering the core of Tolkien’s lore, this story seeks to enhance the mythology. By focusing on one of the Nine, it offers an intimate look at the toll the rings of power take on those who bear them — creating a story arc that leads directly into the Lord of the Rings timeline without rewriting history.
And now, in true Monty Python fashion, the pitch meeting might end with a whimsical segue: “And now for something completely different!” It’s a tongue-in-cheek reminder that while this story could have been a rich addition to the world of Middle-earth, it’s one that fans can only dream of for now.
