The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
An epic fantasy crescendo of heart-wrenching sacrifice and triumphant hope, painted on a canvas of spectacular battles and intimate friendships.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

"There can be no triumph without loss. No victory without suffering. No freedom without sacrifice."

17 December 2003 New Zealand 201 min ⭐ 8.5 (25,497)
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis
Fantasy Action Adventure
Good vs. Evil Sacrifice and Redemption Friendship and Loyalty The Corrupting Nature of Power
Budget: $94,000,000
Box Office: $1,118,888,979

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details

Easter Eggs

In the Extended Edition, there is a hidden MTV special presentation.

On the second disc of the Extended Edition, by navigating to the scene selection for scenes 77-78, highlighting scene 78, and pressing the down arrow, a golden ring will appear. Selecting it reveals a humorous short film where Peter Jackson pitches a sequel to The Lord of the Rings.

A hidden interview with Elijah Wood.

On the first disc of the Extended Edition, by going to the scene selection for scenes 33-36, highlighting scene 36 and pressing the down arrow, a ring icon appears. Selecting it plays a prank interview where Dominic Monaghan (Merry), disguised as a German journalist, interviews Elijah Wood.

J.R.R. Tolkien's great-grandson, Royd Tolkien, has a cameo.

Royd Tolkien appears as a Gondorian soldier handing out spears to his fellow soldiers in Minas Tirith.

The children of Peter Jackson and other cast and crew members have cameos.

Peter Jackson's children, Billy and Katie, appear as children in Minas Tirith watching Faramir ride to his potential doom. Sean Astin's daughter, Alexandra, plays Sam's daughter Elanor in the final scene.