Exciting News for Middle-Earth Fans: Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Season 2 of Prime Video‘s “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” fans of Middle-Earth with a penchant for gaming have something to look forward to. On this Durin’s Day, a special occasion for all things Dwarvish, Free Range Games and North Beach Games have unveiled the cinematic trailer for “Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria.” This co-op survival crafting game delves deep into the world of Middle-Earth, focusing on the Dwarves and featuring the iconic character Gimli Lockbearer, portrayed by the talented John Rhys-Davies.
The Actor’s Return to Middle-Earth
To build excitement for the game’s release and commemorate John Rhys-Davies’s return to the beloved franchise, the team behind “Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria” had a heartwarming conversation with the actor. This insightful discussion took place on the prominent “Nerd of the Rings” YouTube channel, the largest channel dedicated to all things Middle-Earth. During this conversation, Rhys-Davies shared his thoughts on reprising the role of Gimli and exploring different facets of the character:
“It’s always fun to come back and think of the ‘what-ifs,’ and the chance to work on this game is an exploration of one of the what-ifs, isn’t it? Actors often create characters out of love, and it’s very hard, sometimes, to let them go. Certainly, Gimli is, for me, a character that I really adore, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to reprise him in a different context.”
Discovering “Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria”
Set in the Fourth Age of Middle-Earth, “Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria” unfolds long after the events of the Prime Video series. Players will join Gimli in the Misty Mountains, summoned to the ancient Dwarven kingdom to recover long-lost treasures. Moria, which fans first glimpsed in “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” was once a thriving realm but had become a desolate graveyard. In the game, Dwarves must unite to reclaim the treasures of Khazad-dûm and restore the honor of their people.
In an official statement, CEO of Free Range Games, Chris Scholz, shared that when it came to choosing a voice actor for Gimli, “there was only one name everyone wanted.” Working with John Rhys-Davies was described as “an honor, a privilege, and a dream.” Rhys-Davies’s portrayal of Gimli in the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy made him an iconic figure, deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of fans. Having his voice in the game is sure to transport players and Lord of the Rings enthusiasts back to the enchanting realm of Middle-Earth.
Release Date and Platforms
“Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria” is set to launch on October 24 for PC via the Epic Games Store and PlayStation 5. For more information about the game, be sure to visit the official “Return to Moria” website.
As we eagerly await the game’s release, the return of John Rhys-Davies as Gimli is a heartwarming reunion that promises to make this Middle-Earth gaming experience even more magical. Get ready to embark on an epic journey back to the roots of Dwarvish culture and the splendors of Middle-Earth.
