Amazon is reportedly considering not making its big-budget Lord of the Rings TV series in New Zealand.
Executives for the streaming giant met with Economic Development Minister David Parker, concerned with the lack of studio capacity in Auckland, Stuff reports.
Spokespeople for both Amazon and Mr Parker declined to comment on what was discussed. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, which published a brochure talking up the city that was distributed with the Hollywood Reporter in September, also declined to comment.
Stuff reports there is still optimism a deal can be made when the parties meet again in January.
The show will be set before the seminal JRR Tolkien tome, which was adapted for the big screen by Sir Peter Jackson, but will be comprised of "previously unexplored stories" rather than a new take on The Hobbit.
Sir Peter's production of The Hobbit infamously almost went offshore over a labour dispute, with then-Prime Minister Sir John Key acting as mediator and pushing through controversial law changes to keep it in New Zealand.
Amazon is committed to at least five seasons of the new series, plus a potential spin-off. It's expected to arrive in 2021.
Newshub.
