Middle-earth has been a part of Rubén Belloso’s life since he was a teenager. One of his earliest portraits, painted when he was just 16, was of Gollum. More than two decades later, that fascination has become one of the most ambitious projects of his career.

At San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026, the Seville-based painter will present an exhibition featuring about twenty works inspired by The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, which will be on display in the Exhibitor Hall Garden.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Seville, Rubén Belloso has built an outstanding international career as a specialist in pastel painting. His work has led him to exhibit in various countries, teach courses throughout Europe, and become one of the leading figures in this medium.

As he explains in an interview with ABC, this project came about after he rediscovered Tolkien’s universe from a different perspective. Accustomed to the museum and exhibition circuit, he found in San Diego Comic-Con Málaga a different way to connect with the public, which inspired him to devote the last ten months to creating a collection centered on some of Middle-earth’s most iconic characters.

The collection will also mark the beginning of a new phase in his career. Four of the works to be exhibited in Málaga will subsequently travel to a renowned New Zealand studio responsible for part of the design, props, and visual effects of Peter Jackson’s trilogy, with which Belloso will begin a professional collaboration.

The first people to see these paintings will be two very special guests at the convention: Elijah Wood and Sean Astin, stars of the saga, who will get to discover a collection inspired by admiration for one of the most influential works of contemporary fantasy.

From October 1 to 4, attendees at San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026 will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique exhibition that combines contemporary painting with one of the most beloved universes in popular culture.