Tolkien-Lewis Movie ‘Fellowship’ Will Spotlight the Power of Friendship, Director Says
New details are emerging about an upcoming movie highlighting the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, authors who wrote two of the most famous fantasies of the 20th century. The project, titled Fellowship, was unveiled last year as part of Angel Studios' film slate, with the company promising it would offer audiences a glimpse into the minds behind classics like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Paul Syrstad, a filmmaker based in London who is best known for the new Angel series Testament, will direct it.
Although the script is still being written, Syrstad said the story will center on the pivotal role their friendship played in shaping their literary masterpieces.
"The beautiful premise of it is, without each other, neither would have completed their greatest works," Syrstad told Crosswalk Headlines. "You know, Lewis was convinced of Christianity by Tolkien, and without that, we wouldn't have gotten the wonderful works in Narnia. But also, Tolkien was quite set on finishing [his works] at The Hobbit and kind of putting the full stop there. But Lewis was one of the ones who really impressed upon him to keep going and to actually take all of his, you know, scribbles, and pull them together into the cohesive great work that is The Lord of the Rings. So if …either of them failed, you know, their masterpieces would not have been a blessing to the world."
Lewis died in 1963, and Tolkien followed a decade later in 1973. Their works, however, have endured -- leaving a lasting legacy not only through their novels but also through modern theatrical adaptations.
One major theme of Fellowship, Syrstad said, is not to give up on friendships.
Angel Studios says Fellowship is a "testament to the power of friendship, imagination, and storytelling to evoke hope in humanity."
"In an age where facts are debated and meaning feels fleeting, Fellowship offers something rare: a story grounded in authenticity, courage, and the kind of connection that calls us to something higher," Angel says in a film summary.
A release date has not been set.
Photo Credit: Right: ©C.S. Lewis Foundation Left: ©Wikimedia
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published July 21, 2025.
