tolkien film nicholas hoult
CNN  — 

The family of J.R.R. Tolkien has issued a statement against an upcoming film about the author of the popular “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit.”

The Fox Searchlight film “Tolkien,” which sparked the response, is set for release next month.

“The family and the Estate wish to make clear that they did not approve of, authorize or participate in the making of this film,” read the statement obtained by CNN. “They do not endorse it or its content in any way.”

The Tolkien Estate did specify any specific objections to the film.

A representative for the family told The Hollywood Reporter they had not screened “Tolkien,” and added they had been approached about biopics in the past without granting approval.

The film stars Nicholas Hoult as Tolkien, Lily Collins, Colm Meaney, Derek Jacobi, Mimi Keene and Pam Ferris.

Tolkien was an English writer who rose to literary fame when he published “The Hobbit” in 1937. His sequel to the novel developed into the fantasy trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings.”

After his death in 1973, Tolkien’s son published a collection of his father’s works entitled, “The Silmarillion.”

CNN has reached out to Fox Searchlight for comment.