Overview
- Jackson tells Empire there are no unused “great scenes” for an extended-extended edition and says any such cut would add only fleeting moments not worth releasing.
- Co-writer Philippa Boyens acknowledges a small amount of shot material, including brief Aragorn–Arwen courtship footage in Lothlórien, but says it is insufficient for a new cut.
- Jackson notes the archive includes alternative takes, bloopers, and process footage that could support a deep making-of documentary, which he has pitched without approval so far.
- The renewed clarification arrives during 25th‑anniversary coverage, which resurfaced long-running fan speculation about a so-called ‘Mithril Cut.’
- The Middle‑earth franchise continues to expand, with The Hunt for Gollum set for December 17, 2027 under director and star Andy Serkis and with Ian McKellen returning, alongside ongoing development of The Rings of Power season 3.