In a move that has sent shockwaves through the fantasy gaming universe, Amazon Studios has announced that pre-production for season 4 of their mega-budget show, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, is set to kick off this fall, even before the highly anticipated third season hits the screens! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the production team will begin laying the groundwork for the fourth season this year, with filming slated for early 2027. While Amazon has not officially greenlit season 4 yet, the show's original five-season plan is said to be intact, and the streaming giant has reportedly reassured the showrunners of their continued support. With the third season set to premiere on Prime Video from November this year, fans will have to brace themselves for another extended wait until 2028 for the fourth season's release. Despite ongoing speculation about the show's viewing figures and its cost, estimated at a staggering $1 billion, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has reportedly found favor with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, ensuring its safe passage amidst the choppy waters of big-budget streaming shows. The third season, set to unfold several years after the events of season 2, will find Elendil (portrayed by Peter McKenzie) gearing up for battle and wielding the legendary blade Narsil. Meanwhile, two other Lord of the Rings movie spinoffs are also in development: The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, featuring returning stars Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, and Ian McKellen, and The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past, penned by Stephen Colbert with flashbacks to untold moments from Peter Jackson's original trilogy. Get ready, gamers! Middle-earth is about to be a busy place once again!