UPDATE: I’ve made a number of small changes and adjustments, as well as attempting to add a 5.1 audio output track and getting Poppy to leave with Nori and the Stranger (thanks for the prototype there Anjohan!).

The other issue I struggled with for season 2 compatibility was whether or not to show Bronwyn looking recovered at the party just before the eruption. Ultimately, I decided that I had to keep it because too much is needed from that scene to simply cut it (we see Galadriel and Halbrand back at the village, and we get Halbrand introduced and hailed as king, wrapping up his initial storyline). I do plan for Bronwyn to be dead when Theo and Galadriel arrive at the camp in the second movie.

I’m going to do a few final watch-throughs before releasing the “final” version and moving on to the second movie. I want to take one more look at streamlining and transitions, as well as double-check both the stereo and 5.1 audio tracks for quality and consistency.

I’m still unclear how much content will make it into the second movie, but I’m currently hoping for it to focus on the aftermath of the eruption and the forging of the three. The season 2 plotlines for Numenor and the Stranger are also things I’d like to fully include, while I plan to hold back the Dwarf and siege plotlines for a third film, hopefully going alongside the rest of the Stranger’s confrontation with the Dark Wizard and tying that off in a trilogy. The only complication I’m dreading is the possibility that Sauron tries to give rings to the men of Rhun, causing those stories to overlap at moment that doesn’t work for me. I’m also not looking forward to another two-year wait in order to move forward!