Before Rings of Power Returns, Peter Jackson’s Epic Fantasy Becomes a Global Streaming Hit

A Middle-earth streaming return

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has been gaining attention on Netflix this past week, reaching the Top 10 among movies outside the United States, FlixPatrol reports. The film arrives back in focus as The Rings of Power nears its return.

Viewers in the U.S. can find the movie on HBO Max or watch it from a home video collection. It is the first installment in Jackson’s trilogy set decades before The Lord of the Rings.

Bilbo joins the Dwarves

Martin Freeman plays Bilbo Baggins, who is drawn into an expedition when Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen, arrives at Bag End with Thorin Oakenshield, played by Richard Armitage. The company hopes to reclaim the Dwarves’ homeland and treasure from Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Their route brings them into contact with trolls, goblins and Gollum, played by Andy Serkis. The journey ranges from the Shire to Rivendell and the goblin caves.

A close book adaptation

Of the three Hobbit films, An Unexpected Journey is described as the closest to Tolkien’s novel, following its plot while adding less material from the wider lore. The story is framed as an older Bilbo, played by Ian Holm, writing for his nephew Frodo, played by Elijah Wood.

One notable change is the use of Azog the Defiler, played by Manu Bennett. The character is only mentioned in the book, but the film uses him to reshape Thorin’s backstory. Jackson’s film also draws on later Tolkien material about Sauron, referred to here as the Necromancer.

An uneven but enjoyable trilogy

Some additions, including Gandalf’s investigation at Dol Guldur, are viewed as effective, while the Elf-Dwarf romance and the emphasis on Azog are described as less successful. The film’s high frame rate may not suit every viewer, but An Unexpected Journey is presented as the trilogy’s most focused chapter.