Fresh off directing last year’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, J.A. Bayona (The Orphanage, A Monster Calls) has been tapped to direct the first two episodes of Amazon’s upcoming “The Lord of the Rings” TV series, a big budget fantasy drama that will adapt the J.R.R. Tolkien novels across multiple planned seasons. The news comes courtesy of Deadline today.

Set in Middle-earth, the series will explore new storylines preceding The Fellowship of the Ring.

“J.R.R. Tolkien created one of the most extraordinary and inspiring stories of all time, and as a lifelong fan it is an honor and a joy to join this amazing team,” said Bayona. “I can’t wait to take audiences around the world to Middle-earth and have them discover the wonders of the Second Age, with a never before seen story.”

“The scope and breadth of J.A.’s world-building is exactly the right fit for our ambitions for The Lord of the Rings,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “He’s a passionate and collaborative director who has brought new stories to life with his multitalented producing partner, Belén. We are all excited for them to join our writers JD Payne and Patrick McKay, and we can’t think of a better way to begin this journey to Middle-earth.”

Bayona also will executive produce alongside his producing partner Belén Atienza.