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Warner Bros. Backs Down from Copyright Dispute with Fan Film
Following the announcement of Warner Bros. plans for a movie titled “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” set for release in 2026, the studio faced immediate backlash after blocking a beloved unauthorized 2009 fan film with the same name on YouTube. However, less than 12 hours later, Warner Bros. seemed to relent under fan pressure, reinstating the fan film on YouTube. The move came after fans protested the copyright strike on Reddit, condemning Warner Bros. for their actions.
The Origin of the Fan Film
In 2009, director Chris Bouchard released “The Hunt for Gollum” through Independent Online Cinema. Made on a tight budget of $5,000, the 39-minute film drew inspiration from Tolkien’s writings about Middle-earth. Despite the lack of financial gain, the fan film garnered millions of views on YouTube before being blocked by Warner Bros.
Despite the unexpected takedown, the fan film was eventually reinstated on YouTube, with Bouchard expressing gratitude to Warner Bros. for understanding the importance of the film to fans and artists alike.
Copyright Concerns and Speculations
Speculations arose that Warner Bros. may have blocked the fan film to prevent any confusion with their upcoming official production. Some fans supported Warner Bros.’ actions to protect their intellectual property, while others criticized the move as unnecessary.
While the backlash from fans may have influenced Warner Bros. decision to reverse the block, the incident highlighted the complexities surrounding fan-made content and intellectual property rights.
Impact on Fan Community
The incident sparked debates within the Lord of the Rings fan community, with some voicing skepticism about Warner Bros.’ upcoming movie. However, others expressed excitement to see how the studio would interpret the story of Gollum.
Ultimately, the situation shed light on the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and maintaining a positive relationship with fans.
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