With this flagship production, Prime Video intends to challenge HBO and its prequel to the cult series "Game of Thrones", "House of the Dragon", which began broadcasting on August 21.
HBO had also assured that it was its best launch, with nearly 10 million viewers in the United States alone.
"+The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power+ drew more than 25 million viewers worldwide on day one (Friday), breaking all previous records, marking the biggest premiere in Prime Video history," said in its press release the Amazon group, which broadcast the first two episodes.
"In a way, it makes sense that it's Tolkien's stories, which are among the most popular of all time and which many consider the true origin of the fantasy genre, lead us to this proud moment," s congratulated Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon Studios.
The series, which will air until October 14, is crucial for Amazon, which wants to exist in the ultra-competitive landscape of streaming, where Netflix, Disney + and HBO Max are already fighting a tough battle.
'The Rings of Power' is set during Tolkien's 'Second Age' in Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events of 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings', Tolkien's cult trilogy which has already been adapted for film.
Amazon paid $250 million to buy the rights, and some $465 million was spent on the first season alone.
The group having committed to five seasons, the final sum should far exceed one billion.
© 2022 AFP