National Geographic: Beyond the Movie - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a 2003 documentary by National Geographic Channel about Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It was preceded by National Geographic: Beyond the Movie - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The documentary was written by Rachel Allen, John B. Bredar, and Helen Fitzwilliam, and features cast and crew members of the film.
Back cover
The Ultimate Companion to the Hollywood blockbuster! Join National Geographic for a compelling exploration of the real-world parallels to the events and characters brought to life in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
- Discover the legacy of history's "reluctant heroes" and their striking resemblance to Aragorn.
- Compare the roles of "wise counselors" like Gandalf, and powerful friendships like that of Frodo and Sam, to their historic counterparts.
- Thrilling film footage illustrates how history-changing events are reflected in the film's story of courage and camaraderie triumphing over impossible odds.
Insights from leading historians, field experts and members of the filmmaking team make this a must-have addition to every Lord of the Rings collection!
Interviewed people
- John Rhys-Davies - documentary narrator and actor of Gimli.
- Peter Jackson - director.
- Philippa Boyens - co-screenwriter.
- Michael D. C. Drout - Tolkien scholar.
- Ian McKellen - actor of Gandalf.
- Hugo Weaving - actor of Elrond.
- Christopher Lee - actor of Saruman.
- David Wenham - actor of Faramir.
- Elijah Wood - actor of Frodo.
- Billy Boyd - actor of Pippin.
- Orlando Bloom - actor of Legolas.
- Sean Astin - actor of Samwise Gamgee.
- Lynette Nusbacher - English historian.
- Fiona Watson - Scottish historian.
- Michael Zuckerman - expert on Benjamin Franklin.
- Susan Doran - professor at Oxford University.
- David Loades - author of Elizabeth I
- Tweed Roosevelt - great grandson of Theodore Roosevelt
- Richard Pipes - Russian historian