The heirs of J.R.R. Tolkien and New Line have finally settled their lawsuit over profits from the 2001-2003 Lord of the Rings trilogy, which grossed an estimated $6 Billion.  In the court papers, the Tolkien family said they received $62,500 upfront for the movies, and were promised 7.5% of the gross profits.  That was the only payment the trust received.  The terms of the deal are confidential, but one thing we do know is that this settlement makes all our Hobbit hopes are dreams finally, legally, possible.

One major beneficiary in this deal will be The Tolkien Trust, a British charity which funds numerous causes around the world.

You may remember that director Peter Jackson had similar qualms with New Line over his payments from the trilogy until 2007.  Seems like New Line has some problems paying people.  They should do what I do, and just not answer the phone.  Thats what stopped all those calls from Blockbuster Video!