The family of JRR Tolkien have distanced themselves from an upcoming biopic about the author and do not approve of the new film.
Famed for creating The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings, the British writer is the subject of a film starring Nicholas Hoult.
In the first statement made by the Tolkien Estate regarding the biopic, the family of the author said they do not endorse the Fox Searchlight production “in any way”.
As the UK premiere of the film approaches, the family wished to make clear that they did not participate in the production, which charts Tolkien’s friendships and his relationship with wife Edith Bratt.
The statement said: “The family of JRR Tolkien and the Tolkien Estate are aware of the Fox Searchlight motion picture entitled ‘Tolkien’ that is due for release in May 2019.
“The family and the Estate wish to make clear that they did not approve of, authorise or participate in the making of this film.
“They do not endorse it or its content in any way.”
The man behind the legends.#TolkienMovie is in theaters everywhere May 10. #Searchlight pic.twitter.com/UnJ3zQCqu3
— Tolkien (@TolkienMovie) April 9, 2019
In the upcoming film Hoult plays the famed British author, whose fantasy works have inspired a worldwide following, and multiple motion pictures. Lily Collins plays his romantic partner and future wife.
The family of Tolkien are understood to consistently turn down approaches to make biopics, and wished to clarify their position.
Representatives believe this is the first time the family has had to make a statement in this way.
The Tolkien Estate comprises a company which manages publishing interests and a charitable trust which makes grants to causes including alleviating poverty.
The Walt Disney Company, the parent company of Fox Searchlight, has been contacted for comment.