Movie bosses at New Line Cinema have settled a lawsuit with the heirs of LORD OF THE RINGS author J.R.R. TOLKIEN, over the reported $6 billion in profits made from the movie trilogy.
The Tolkien Trust filed suit against New Line Cinema in Los Angeles Superior Court in February 2008 over profit shares from the films, released between 2001 and 2003.
Heirs claimed the studio owed over $270 million (GBP180 million) in compensation to the estate on the grounds of breach of contract.
The lawsuit also sought to block the release of two upcoming prequels based on Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit.
The case was due to go to jury trial in October (09) prior to the settlement. Terms of the agreement remain confidential.