Nicholas Hoult, others defend film on JRR Tolkien after author's family objects

Actor Nicholas Hoult has defended his upcoming film "Tolkien", a biopic on the iconic author of "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" series, saying the writer's life story has been "respectfully" treated in the movie.

Last week, the JRR Tolkien family and the Tolkien estate had raised their objections with film and said they do "not endorse" the biopic which is set to be released next month.

Titled "Tolkien", the Dome Karukoski-directed film features Hoult as the eponymous character. It also stars Lily Collins as the author's wife, Edith Bratt.

According to The Independent, Hoult told Press Association, "I think it's been done very respectfully, as a fan. It's story that stands alone. Such a remarkable life, his relationships, what he endured in World War One. What inspired him, hopefully it will inspire new audiences now."