The family of legendary British author JRR Tolkien have warned that they “do not endorse” an upcoming biopic on his life “in any way.”

The film, entitled ‘Tolkien’ and starring Nicholas Hoult as the Lord of the Rings author, is due to be released this May.

Fox Searchlight Pictures said the film details Tolkien’s formative years as he “finds friendship, courage and inspiration among a fellow group of writers and artists at school.”

It follows the group right up until the outbreak of the First World War, “which threatens to tear their fellowship apart.”

The studio said these experiences “would later inspire Tolkien to write his famous Middle-earth novels.”

Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins in the film Tolkien. Image: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

The film also stars Lily Collins as Tolkien's wife Edith Bratt.

In a statement this morning, the family of JRR Tolkien and the Tolkien Estate said it was “aware” of the upcoming film.

“The family and the Estate wish to make clear that they did not approve of, authorize or participate in the making of this film,” it said.

“They do not endorse it or its content in any way.”

The film is due to be released on May 10th.

Nicholas Hoult in the film Tolkien. Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures.