NEW YORK — Amazon says it has acquired the global television rights to “The Lord of the Rings,” based on the fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, with a multiseason commitment.

Set in Middle Earth, this TV series will explore new story lines preceding Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring.” The deal includes a potential additional spinoff series, Amazon said Monday.

“The Lord of the Rings” canon was named Amazon customers’ favorite book of the millennium in 1999. The three films directed by Peter Jackson earned a combined gross of nearly $6 billion worldwide.

No launch date or cast members for the new series was announced by Amazon.