The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
(No longer among the cast)
mNo edit summary
(7 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{currentevent}}
{{disambig-more|The Lord of the Rings|[[The Lord of the Rings (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-more|The Lord of the Rings|[[The Lord of the Rings (disambiguation)]]}}
{{currentevent}}
'''''The Lord of the Rings (TV series)''''', otherwise known as '''LOTRonPrime''', is an upcoming television series adaptation of the writings of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. It is created and produced by [[Wikipedia:Amazon Studios|Amazon Studios]] working alongside the [[Tolkien Estate]], [[The Tolkien Trust]], [[HarperCollins]] and [[New Line Cinema]]. Set in the [[Second Age]] of [[Middle-earth]],<ref name="AMSA">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1103656946509344768|articlename=Welcome to the Second Age:|dated=7 March 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> it will explore new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien’s ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]].''<ref name="AMNZ">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-studios-announces-new-zealand-location-its-upcoming|articlename=Amazon Studios Announces New Zealand as Location for Its Upcoming Series Based on The Lord of the Rings|dated=17 September 2019|website=Amazon|accessed=18 September 2019}}</ref> The series is expected to release in 2021.<ref>{{webcite|author=Lesley Goldberg |articleurl=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/jennifer-salke-details-amazon-plans-broad-hits-lord-rings-1118921|articlename=Jennifer Salke Details Amazon Plans: Fix Culture, Empower Women, 'Lord of the Rings' by 2021|dated=18 June 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessed=17 March 2020}}</ref>
'''''The Lord of the Rings (TV series)''''', otherwise known as '''LOTRonPrime''', is an upcoming television series adaptation of the writings of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. It is created and produced by [[Wikipedia:Amazon Studios|Amazon Studios]] working alongside the [[Tolkien Estate]], [[The Tolkien Trust]], [[HarperCollins]] and [[New Line Cinema]]. Set in the [[Second Age]] of [[Middle-earth]],<ref name="AMSA">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1103656946509344768|articlename=Welcome to the Second Age:|dated=7 March 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> it will explore new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien’s ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]].''<ref name="AMNZ">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-studios-announces-new-zealand-location-its-upcoming|articlename=Amazon Studios Announces New Zealand as Location for Its Upcoming Series Based on The Lord of the Rings|dated=17 September 2019|website=Amazon|accessed=18 September 2019}}</ref> The series is expected to release in 2021.<ref>{{webcite|author=Lesley Goldberg |articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/jennifer-salke-details-amazon-plans-broad-hits-lord-rings-1118921|articlename=Jennifer Salke Details Amazon Plans: Fix Culture, Empower Women, 'Lord of the Rings' by 2021|dated=18 June 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessed=17 March 2020}}</ref>


==Premise==
==Premise==
{{blockquote|Amazon Studios’ forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.|Official synopsis<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Sewell|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2021/01/12/110065-exclusive-official-show-synopsis-for-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-series/|articlename=EXCLUSIVE: Official Show Synopsis for Amazon’s LORD OF THE RINGS Series|dated=12 January 2021|website=[http://www.theonering.net TheOneRing]|accessed=13 January 2021}}</ref>}}
{{blockquote|Amazon Studios' forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.|Official synopsis<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Sewell|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2021/01/12/110065-exclusive-official-show-synopsis-for-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-series/|articlename=EXCLUSIVE: Official Show Synopsis for Amazon’s LORD OF THE RINGS Series|dated=12 January 2021|website=[http://www.theonering.net TheOneRing]|accessed=13 January 2021}}</ref>}}


==Cast and characters==
==Cast and characters==
Line 45: Line 45:
==Production==
==Production==
[[File:Amazon - Middle-earth map.jpg|thumb|250px|Fourth map of Middle-earth, released by Amazon on March 6, 2019]]
[[File:Amazon - Middle-earth map.jpg|thumb|250px|Fourth map of Middle-earth, released by Amazon on March 6, 2019]]
On November 2017, it was reported that Amazon Studios were in discussion with Warner Bros. Television and the [[Tolkien Estate]] about developing a series based on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=Daniel Holloway|articleurl=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-1202606519/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Amazon, Warner Bros. in Talks for Series Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=3 November 2017|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> Later, in November, Amazon Studios announced they have secured the rights to develop a multi-season television series set in Middle-earth with the potential for spin-offs.<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-amazon-1202613609/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Moving Forward at Amazon With Multi-Season Production Commitment|dated=13 November 2017|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=31 July 2019}}</ref> The rights have been said to have cost close to $250 million.<ref name="DLAZ">{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2017/11/amazon-the-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-multi-season-commitment-1202207065/|articlename=Amazon Sets ‘The Lord of the Rings’ TV Series In Mega Deal With Multi-Season Commitment|dated=13 November 2017|website=Deadline|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> Amazon Studios will cooperate with the Tolkien Estate, [[The Tolkien Trust]], [[HarperCollins]] and [[New Line Cinema]].<ref name="DLAZ"/>
On November 2017, it was reported that Amazon Studios were in discussion with Warner Bros. Television and the [[Tolkien Estate]] about developing a series based on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=Daniel Holloway|articleurl=http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-1202606519/|articlename='Lord of the Rings': Amazon, Warner Bros. in Talks for Series Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=3 November 2017|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> Later, in November, Amazon Studios announced they have secured the rights to develop a multi-season television series set in Middle-earth with the potential for spin-offs.<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-amazon-1202613609/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Moving Forward at Amazon With Multi-Season Production Commitment|dated=13 November 2017|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=31 July 2019}}</ref> The rights have been said to have cost close to $250 million.<ref name="DLAZ">{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2017/11/amazon-the-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-multi-season-commitment-1202207065/|articlename=Amazon Sets ‘The Lord of the Rings’ TV Series In Mega Deal With Multi-Season Commitment|dated=13 November 2017|website=Deadline|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> Amazon Studios will cooperate with the Tolkien Estate, [[The Tolkien Trust]], [[HarperCollins]] and [[New Line Cinema]].<ref name="DLAZ"/>


On [[13 February]] [[2019]], Amazon's newly created [https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime Twitter account] associated with the show posted the quote "I wisely started with a map.", taken from Tolkien's [[Letter 144]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1095797330127646721|articlename=“I wisely started with a map” — J.R.R. Tolkien|dated=13 February 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> On [[15 February]] the Twitter account released a map of Middle-earth along with a line of the [[Ring Verse]], over the next few weeks different versions of the map were released with each successive one including more labels than the previous as well as more lines from the verse. On [[7 March]] the final map was released which showed a wider view of Middle-earth, including the island of [[Númenor]] and the final post "Welcome to the Second Age".<ref name="AMSA"/> [[Tom Shippey]] and artist [[John Howe]] had worked on the accuracy of the maps, however dedicated [[Tolkien fandom|fans]] had detected several mistakes and anachronisms.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=https://narniafans.com/2019/08/interview-with-narnia-conceptual-designer-john-howe/|articlename=Interview with John Howe|website=Narnia Fans|accessed=25 June 2020}}</ref>
On [[13 February]] [[2019]], Amazon's newly created [http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime Twitter account] associated with the show posted the quote "I wisely started with a map.", taken from Tolkien's [[Letter 144]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1095797330127646721|articlename=“I wisely started with a map” — J.R.R. Tolkien|dated=13 February 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> On [[15 February]] the Twitter account released a map of Middle-earth along with a line of the [[Ring Verse]], over the next few weeks different versions of the map were released with each successive one including more labels than the previous as well as more lines from the verse. On [[7 March]] the final map was released which showed a wider view of Middle-earth, including the island of [[Númenor]] and the final post "Welcome to the Second Age".<ref name="AMSA"/> [[Tom Shippey]] and artist [[John Howe]] had worked on the accuracy of the maps, however dedicated [[Tolkien fandom|fans]] had detected several mistakes and anachronisms.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://narniafans.com/2019/08/interview-with-narnia-conceptual-designer-john-howe/|articlename=Interview with John Howe|website=Narnia Fans|accessed=25 June 2020}}</ref>


The series being set in the [[Second Age]] was predicted by [[Tolkien Society]] Chair [[Shaun Gunner]] in February.<ref>{{webcite|website=Twitter|accessed=15 February 2020|dated=18 February 2019|articleurl=https://twitter.com/ShaunGunner/status/1097505289618841601|author=Shaun Gunner}}</ref>
The series being set in the [[Second Age]] was predicted by [[Tolkien Society]] Chair [[Shaun Gunner]] in February.<ref>{{webcite|website=Twitter|accessed=15 February 2020|dated=18 February 2019|articleurl=http://twitter.com/ShaunGunner/status/1097505289618841601|articlename=Shaun Gunner on Twitter}}</ref>


On [[27 July]] 2019 a video was published that introduced the creative team; [[J.D. Payne]] and [[Patrick McKay]] were announced as the showrunners, the writing team consisting of Gennifer Hutchison, Helen Shang, Jason Cahill, Glenise Mullins, Justin Dohle, Stephany Folsom and Bryan Cogman, Belén Atienza, Bruce Richmond, Gene Kelly and Lindsey Weber as executive producers, Ron Ames as co-producer, Kate Hawley as costume designer, Rick Heinrichs as production designer and Jason Smith as visual effects supervisor. The team will also include Tolkien scholar [[Tom Shippey]] and artist [[John Howe]]. [[J. A. Bayona|Bayona]] will direct the first two episodes.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1155142047420080129|articlename=''Meet our Fellowship''|dated=27 July 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> In an interview with the German Tolkien Society, scholar [[Tom Shippey]] stated  that events from the First and Third Ages are "off-limits".<ref>{{webcite|author=Tobias M. Eckrich |articleurl=http://www.tolkiengesellschaft.de/30918/exklusive-interview-with-tom-shippey-concerning-lotronprime/|articlename=Exclusive interview with Tom Shippey concerning LOTRonPrime|dated=29 July 2019|website=[http://www.tolkiengesellschaft.de Deutche Tolkien Gesellschaft]|accessed=6 August 2019}}</ref>
On [[27 July]] 2019 a video was published that introduced the creative team; [[J.D. Payne]] and [[Patrick McKay]] were announced as the showrunners, the writing team consisting of Gennifer Hutchison, Helen Shang, Jason Cahill, Glenise Mullins, Justin Dohle, Stephany Folsom and Bryan Cogman, Belén Atienza, Bruce Richmond, Gene Kelly and Lindsey Weber as executive producers, Ron Ames as co-producer, Kate Hawley as costume designer, Rick Heinrichs as production designer and Jason Smith as visual effects supervisor. The team will also include Tolkien scholar [[Tom Shippey]] and artist [[John Howe]]. [[J. A. Bayona|Bayona]] will direct the first two episodes.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1155142047420080129|articlename=''Meet our Fellowship''|dated=27 July 2019|website=Twitter|accessed=30 January 2020}}</ref> In an interview with the German Tolkien Society, scholar [[Tom Shippey]] stated  that events from the First and Third Ages are "off-limits".<ref>{{webcite|author=Tobias M. Eckrich |articleurl=http://www.tolkiengesellschaft.de/30918/exklusive-interview-with-tom-shippey-concerning-lotronprime/|articlename=Exclusive interview with Tom Shippey concerning LOTRonPrime|dated=29 July 2019|website=[http://www.tolkiengesellschaft.de Deutche Tolkien Gesellschaft]|accessed=6 August 2019}}</ref>


On 17 September 2019, Amazon Studios announced that the series will be filmed in New Zealand.<ref name="AMNZ"/>
On 17 September 2019, Amazon Studios announced that the series will be filmed in New Zealand.<ref name="AMNZ"/>


On 18 November 2019, Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke announced a second season renewal for the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2019/11/the-lord-of-the-rings-series-renewed-season-2-amazon-early-renewal-season-1-hiatus-writers-room-reassembled-1202788730/|articlename=‘The Lord Of the Rings’ Series Gets Early Season 2 Renewal By Amazon, Sets Season 1 Hiatus|dated=18 November 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=17 March 2020}}</ref>
On 18 November 2019, Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke announced a second season renewal for the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/11/the-lord-of-the-rings-series-renewed-season-2-amazon-early-renewal-season-1-hiatus-writers-room-reassembled-1202788730/|articlename=‘The Lord Of the Rings’ Series Gets Early Season 2 Renewal By Amazon, Sets Season 1 Hiatus|dated=18 November 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=17 March 2020}}</ref>
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic production of the series was suspended.<ref>{{webcite|author=Chris Keall|articleurl=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12316871|articlename=Coronavirus: Amazon's Lord of the Rings production in West Auckland shut down|dated=15 March 2020|website=[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ The New Zealand Herald]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref> On 9 May 2020 the New Zealand Film Commission has allowed the production of film and TV to continue in the country.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=12330716|articlename=Covid 19 coronavirus: Avatar, Lord Of The Rings filming resumes in NZ|dated=9 May 2020|website=[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ The New Zealand Herald]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref>


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic production of the series was suspended.<ref>{{webcite|author=Chris Keall|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12316871|articlename=Coronavirus: Amazon's Lord of the Rings production in West Auckland shut down|dated=15 March 2020|website=[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/ The New Zealand Herald]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref> On 9 May 2020 the New Zealand Film Commission has allowed the production of film and TV to continue in the country.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=12330716|articlename=Covid 19 coronavirus: Avatar, Lord Of The Rings filming resumes in NZ|dated=9 May 2020|website=[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/ The New Zealand Herald]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref>
In December 2020, [[Bryan Cogman]] left the series for Entertainment One, after completing work on the scripts for season one.<ref>{{webcite|author=Lesley Goldberg |articleurl=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/bryan-cogman-moves-overall-deal-to-eone-exclusive|articlename=Bryan Cogman Moves Overall Deal to eOne (Exclusive)|dated=7 December 2020|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessed=15 December 2020}}</ref>


In December 2020, [[Bryan Cogman]] left the series for Entertainment One, after completing work on the scripts for season one.<ref>{{webcite|author=Lesley Goldberg |articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/bryan-cogman-moves-overall-deal-to-eone-exclusive|articlename=Bryan Cogman Moves Overall Deal to eOne (Exclusive)|dated=7 December 2020|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessed=15 December 2020}}</ref>
On 24 March 2021, Amazon Studios announced that Wayne Che Yip has joined the creative team, as both a co-executive producer and director.<ref>{{webcite|author=Matt Grobar|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2021/03/wayne-che-yip-boards-lord-of-the-rings-series-director-co-ep-amazon-studios-1234720477/|articlename=Wayne Che Yip Boards ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series As Director & Co-EP, Will Helm Four Episodes Of Amazon Original|dated=24 March 2021|website=[http://deadline.com/ Deadline]|accessed=5 April 2021}}</ref>


===Casting===
===Casting===
On 22 July 2019, it was reported that Amazon has made its first cast for the new series that Markella Kavenagh was in talks to play a character named "Tyra".<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-cast-markella-kavenagh-1203268175|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Taps First Cast Member (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=22 July 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref>
On 22 July 2019, it was reported that Amazon has made its first cast for the new series that Markella Kavenagh was in talks to play a character named "Tyra".<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-cast-markella-kavenagh-1203268175|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Taps First Cast Member (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=22 July 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref>


Will Poulter was cast for an unknown role in September 2019<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-will-poulter-cast-1203321951/|articlename=‘Lord of The Rings’ Series at Amazon Casts Will Poulter (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=4 September 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref> however in December it was reported he left the series due to scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-will-poulter-1203433273/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Will Poulter No Longer Attached to Amazon Series (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=12 December 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> This was later confirmed by Poulter in an interview.<ref>{{webcite|author=Will Richards|articleurl=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/will-poulter-explains-why-he-left-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-2706105|articlename=Will Poulter explains why he left Amazon’s ‘Lord Of The Rings’ TV series|dated=12 July 2020|website=[https://www.nme.com/ NME]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref> He was replaced by Robert Aramayo who was reported to be playing a character named "Beldor".<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2020/01/robert-aramayo-cast-the-lord-of-the-rings-amazon-tv-series-game-of-thrones-alum-cast-1202823073/|articlename=‘The Lord Of the Rings’: Robert Aramayo To Star In Amazon TV Series|dated=7 January 2020|website=Deadline|accessed=15 January 2020}}</ref>
Will Poulter was cast for an unknown role in September 2019<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-will-poulter-cast-1203321951/|articlename=‘Lord of The Rings’ Series at Amazon Casts Will Poulter (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=4 September 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref> however in December it was reported that he left the series due to scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-will-poulter-1203433273/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Will Poulter No Longer Attached to Amazon Series (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=12 December 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> This was later confirmed by Poulter in an interview.<ref>{{webcite|author=Will Richards|articleurl=http://www.nme.com/news/tv/will-poulter-explains-why-he-left-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-2706105|articlename=Will Poulter explains why he left Amazon's 'Lord Of The Rings' TV series|dated=12 July 2020|website=[http://www.nme.com/ NME]|accessed=17 July 2020}}</ref> He was replaced by Robert Aramayo who was reported to be playing a character named "Beldor".<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2020/01/robert-aramayo-cast-the-lord-of-the-rings-amazon-tv-series-game-of-thrones-alum-cast-1202823073/|articlename='The Lord Of the Rings': Robert Aramayo To Star In Amazon TV Series|dated=7 January 2020|website=Deadline|accessed=15 January 2020}}</ref>


In October 2019 it was reported that Maxim Baldry<ref>{{webcite|author=Jeff Sneider|articleurl=http://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-cast-maxim-baldry/|articlename=Exclusive: ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Adds ‘Years and Years’ Star Maxim Baldry|dated=15 October 2019|website=Collider|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> and Joseph Mawle has joined the cast, the latter playing "Oren", the lead villain of the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/10/the-lord-of-the-rings-joseph-mawle-cast-star-amazon-series-oren-game-of-thrones-alum-1202765493/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’: Joseph Mawle To Star In Amazon Series|dated=21 October 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref>
In October 2019 it was reported that Maxim Baldry<ref>{{webcite|author=Jeff Sneider|articleurl=http://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-cast-maxim-baldry/|articlename=Exclusive: ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Adds ‘Years and Years’ Star Maxim Baldry|dated=15 October 2019|website=Collider|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> and Joseph Mawle has joined the cast, the latter playing "Oren", the lead villain of the series.<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/10/the-lord-of-the-rings-joseph-mawle-cast-star-amazon-series-oren-game-of-thrones-alum-1202765493/|articlename='The Lord Of The Rings': Joseph Mawle To Star In Amazon Series|dated=21 October 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=22 October 2019}}</ref>


In December 2019 there were reports of Ema Horvath<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/12/ema-horvath-cast-the-lord-of-the-rings-amazon-series-1202806025/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’: Ema Horvath Joins Cast Of Amazon Series|dated=10 December 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> and Morfydd Clark joinining the cast, it was said that Clark is to play a "young [[Galadriel]]".<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Kroll|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-galadriel-morfydd-clark-1203446284/amp/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Taps Morfydd Clark as Young Galadriel (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=17 December 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=4 January 2020}}</ref>
In December 2019 there were reports of Ema Horvath<ref>{{webcite|author=Nellie Andreeva|articleurl=http://deadline.com/2019/12/ema-horvath-cast-the-lord-of-the-rings-amazon-series-1202806025/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’: Ema Horvath Joins Cast Of Amazon Series|dated=10 December 2019|website=Deadline|accessed=13 December 2019}}</ref> and Morfydd Clark joinining the cast, it was said that Clark is to play a "young [[Galadriel]]".<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Kroll|articleurl=http://variety.com/2019/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-galadriel-morfydd-clark-1203446284/amp/|articlename='Lord of the Rings' Series Taps Morfydd Clark as Young Galadriel (EXCLUSIVE)|dated=17 December 2019|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=4 January 2020}}</ref>


On 15 January 2020, the series' official social media confirmed the castings of Kavenagh, Aramayo, Mawle, Horvath and Clark as well as revealing new members of the cast; Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers and Daniel Weyman.<ref name="Meet">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/LOTRonPrime/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2410457885934047|articlename=Meet the first members of our fellowship. #LOTRonPrime|dated=15 January 2020|website=Facebook|accessed=15 January 2020}}</ref>
On 15 January 2020, the series' official social media confirmed the castings of Kavenagh, Aramayo, Mawle, Horvath and Clark as well as revealing new members of the cast; Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Tom Budge, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers and Daniel Weyman.<ref name="Meet">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/LOTRonPrime/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2410457885934047|articlename=Meet the first members of our fellowship. #LOTRonPrime|dated=15 January 2020|website=Facebook|accessed=15 January 2020}}</ref>


In December 2020, it was announced that 20 actors have been added to the cast; Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry (reported to have joined back in October 2019), Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Simon Merrells, Geoff Morrell, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker and Sara Zwangobani.<ref name="VA20">{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-cast-1234845274/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Adds 20 Actors to Cast|dated=3 December 2020|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=3 December 2020}}</ref>
In December 2020, it was announced that 20 actors have been added to the cast; Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry (reported to have joined back in October 2019), Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Simon Merrells, Geoff Morrell, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker and Sara Zwangobani.<ref name="VA20">{{webcite|author=Joe Otterson|articleurl=http://variety.com/2020/tv/news/lord-of-the-rings-series-amazon-cast-1234845274/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Adds 20 Actors to Cast|dated=3 December 2020|website=[http://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=3 December 2020}}</ref>


In March 2021, Tom Budge announced that he had departed the series after filming several episodes. He explained that Amazon had decided to go in a different direction with his character after reviewing the first episodes.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.instagram.com/p/CMZnFx-HkAp/|articlename=Tom Budge on Instagram|dated=14 March 2021|website=[http://instagram.com/ Instagram]|accessed=5 April 2021}}</ref>
{{References}}
{{References}}


Line 79: Line 82:
* [http://www.amazon.com/adlp/lotronprime Official website]
* [http://www.amazon.com/adlp/lotronprime Official website]
* [http://www.facebook.com/LOTRonPrime/ Official Facebook page]
* [http://www.facebook.com/LOTRonPrime/ Official Facebook page]
* [http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gNthckomHt36m9-WH042Q/ Youtube channel]


[[Category:Television series]]
[[Category:Television series]]
[[fr:divertissements/adaptations/series/lsda_amazon]]
[[fi:The Lord of the Rings (Amazon)]]
[[fi:The Lord of the Rings (Amazon)]]

Revision as of 15:35, 27 April 2021

"What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?" — Aragorn
This article is about a current event; it is subject to frequent revision as more information becomes available.
The name The Lord of the Rings refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see The Lord of the Rings (disambiguation).

The Lord of the Rings (TV series), otherwise known as LOTRonPrime, is an upcoming television series adaptation of the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. It is created and produced by Amazon Studios working alongside the Tolkien Estate, The Tolkien Trust, HarperCollins and New Line Cinema. Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth,[1] it will explore new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring.[2] The series is expected to release in 2021.[3]

Premise

Amazon Studios' forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
—Official synopsis[4]

Cast and characters

In alphabetical order

Production

File:Amazon - Middle-earth map.jpg
Fourth map of Middle-earth, released by Amazon on March 6, 2019

On November 2017, it was reported that Amazon Studios were in discussion with Warner Bros. Television and the Tolkien Estate about developing a series based on The Lord of the Rings.[7] Later, in November, Amazon Studios announced they have secured the rights to develop a multi-season television series set in Middle-earth with the potential for spin-offs.[8] The rights have been said to have cost close to $250 million.[9] Amazon Studios will cooperate with the Tolkien Estate, The Tolkien Trust, HarperCollins and New Line Cinema.[9]

On 13 February 2019, Amazon's newly created Twitter account associated with the show posted the quote "I wisely started with a map.", taken from Tolkien's Letter 144.[10] On 15 February the Twitter account released a map of Middle-earth along with a line of the Ring Verse, over the next few weeks different versions of the map were released with each successive one including more labels than the previous as well as more lines from the verse. On 7 March the final map was released which showed a wider view of Middle-earth, including the island of Númenor and the final post "Welcome to the Second Age".[1] Tom Shippey and artist John Howe had worked on the accuracy of the maps, however dedicated fans had detected several mistakes and anachronisms.[11]

The series being set in the Second Age was predicted by Tolkien Society Chair Shaun Gunner in February.[12]

On 27 July 2019 a video was published that introduced the creative team; J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay were announced as the showrunners, the writing team consisting of Gennifer Hutchison, Helen Shang, Jason Cahill, Glenise Mullins, Justin Dohle, Stephany Folsom and Bryan Cogman, Belén Atienza, Bruce Richmond, Gene Kelly and Lindsey Weber as executive producers, Ron Ames as co-producer, Kate Hawley as costume designer, Rick Heinrichs as production designer and Jason Smith as visual effects supervisor. The team will also include Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey and artist John Howe. Bayona will direct the first two episodes.[13] In an interview with the German Tolkien Society, scholar Tom Shippey stated that events from the First and Third Ages are "off-limits".[14]

On 17 September 2019, Amazon Studios announced that the series will be filmed in New Zealand.[2]

On 18 November 2019, Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke announced a second season renewal for the series.[15]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic production of the series was suspended.[16] On 9 May 2020 the New Zealand Film Commission has allowed the production of film and TV to continue in the country.[17]

In December 2020, Bryan Cogman left the series for Entertainment One, after completing work on the scripts for season one.[18]

On 24 March 2021, Amazon Studios announced that Wayne Che Yip has joined the creative team, as both a co-executive producer and director.[19]

Casting

On 22 July 2019, it was reported that Amazon has made its first cast for the new series that Markella Kavenagh was in talks to play a character named "Tyra".[20]

Will Poulter was cast for an unknown role in September 2019[21] however in December it was reported that he left the series due to scheduling conflicts.[22] This was later confirmed by Poulter in an interview.[23] He was replaced by Robert Aramayo who was reported to be playing a character named "Beldor".[24]

In October 2019 it was reported that Maxim Baldry[25] and Joseph Mawle has joined the cast, the latter playing "Oren", the lead villain of the series.[26]

In December 2019 there were reports of Ema Horvath[27] and Morfydd Clark joinining the cast, it was said that Clark is to play a "young Galadriel".[28]

On 15 January 2020, the series' official social media confirmed the castings of Kavenagh, Aramayo, Mawle, Horvath and Clark as well as revealing new members of the cast; Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Tom Budge, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers and Daniel Weyman.[6]

In December 2020, it was announced that 20 actors have been added to the cast; Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry (reported to have joined back in October 2019), Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Simon Merrells, Geoff Morrell, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker and Sara Zwangobani.[5]

In March 2021, Tom Budge announced that he had departed the series after filming several episodes. He explained that Amazon had decided to go in a different direction with his character after reviewing the first episodes.[29]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Welcome to the Second Age:" dated 7 March 2019, Twitter (accessed 30 January 2020)
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Amazon Studios Announces New Zealand as Location for Its Upcoming Series Based on The Lord of the Rings" dated 17 September 2019, Amazon (accessed 18 September 2019)
  3. Lesley Goldberg, "Jennifer Salke Details Amazon Plans: Fix Culture, Empower Women, 'Lord of the Rings' by 2021" dated 18 June 2018, The Hollywood Reporter (accessed 17 March 2020)
  4. Justin Sewell, "EXCLUSIVE: Official Show Synopsis for Amazon’s LORD OF THE RINGS Series" dated 12 January 2021, TheOneRing (accessed 13 January 2021)
  5. 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 Joe Otterson, "‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Adds 20 Actors to Cast" dated 3 December 2020, Variety (accessed 3 December 2020)
  6. 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 "Meet the first members of our fellowship. #LOTRonPrime" dated 15 January 2020, Facebook (accessed 15 January 2020)
  7. Daniel Holloway, "'Lord of the Rings': Amazon, Warner Bros. in Talks for Series Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)" dated 3 November 2017, Variety (accessed 30 January 2020)
  8. Joe Otterson, "‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Moving Forward at Amazon With Multi-Season Production Commitment" dated 13 November 2017, Variety (accessed 31 July 2019)
  9. 9.0 9.1 Nellie Andreeva, "Amazon Sets ‘The Lord of the Rings’ TV Series In Mega Deal With Multi-Season Commitment" dated 13 November 2017, Deadline (accessed 30 January 2020)
  10. "“I wisely started with a map” — J.R.R. Tolkien" dated 13 February 2019, Twitter (accessed 30 January 2020)
  11. "Interview with John Howe", Narnia Fans (accessed 25 June 2020)
  12. "Shaun Gunner on Twitter" dated 18 February 2019, Twitter (accessed 15 February 2020)
  13. "Meet our Fellowship" dated 27 July 2019, Twitter (accessed 30 January 2020)
  14. Tobias M. Eckrich, "Exclusive interview with Tom Shippey concerning LOTRonPrime" dated 29 July 2019, Deutche Tolkien Gesellschaft (accessed 6 August 2019)
  15. Nellie Andreeva, "‘The Lord Of the Rings’ Series Gets Early Season 2 Renewal By Amazon, Sets Season 1 Hiatus" dated 18 November 2019, Deadline (accessed 17 March 2020)
  16. Chris Keall, "Coronavirus: Amazon's Lord of the Rings production in West Auckland shut down" dated 15 March 2020, The New Zealand Herald (accessed 17 July 2020)
  17. "Covid 19 coronavirus: Avatar, Lord Of The Rings filming resumes in NZ" dated 9 May 2020, The New Zealand Herald (accessed 17 July 2020)
  18. Lesley Goldberg, "Bryan Cogman Moves Overall Deal to eOne (Exclusive)" dated 7 December 2020, The Hollywood Reporter (accessed 15 December 2020)
  19. Matt Grobar, "Wayne Che Yip Boards ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series As Director & Co-EP, Will Helm Four Episodes Of Amazon Original" dated 24 March 2021, Deadline (accessed 5 April 2021)
  20. Joe Otterson, "‘Lord of the Rings’ Series at Amazon Taps First Cast Member (EXCLUSIVE)" dated 22 July 2019, Variety (accessed 22 October 2019)
  21. Joe Otterson, "‘Lord of The Rings’ Series at Amazon Casts Will Poulter (EXCLUSIVE)" dated 4 September 2019, Variety (accessed 22 October 2019)
  22. Joe Otterson, "‘Lord of the Rings’: Will Poulter No Longer Attached to Amazon Series (EXCLUSIVE)" dated 12 December 2019, Variety (accessed 13 December 2019)
  23. Will Richards, "Will Poulter explains why he left Amazon's 'Lord Of The Rings' TV series" dated 12 July 2020, NME (accessed 17 July 2020)
  24. Nellie Andreeva, "'The Lord Of the Rings': Robert Aramayo To Star In Amazon TV Series" dated 7 January 2020, Deadline (accessed 15 January 2020)
  25. Jeff Sneider, "Exclusive: ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Adds ‘Years and Years’ Star Maxim Baldry" dated 15 October 2019, Collider (accessed 13 December 2019)
  26. Nellie Andreeva, "'The Lord Of The Rings': Joseph Mawle To Star In Amazon Series" dated 21 October 2019, Deadline (accessed 22 October 2019)
  27. Nellie Andreeva, "‘The Lord Of The Rings’: Ema Horvath Joins Cast Of Amazon Series" dated 10 December 2019, Deadline (accessed 13 December 2019)
  28. Justin Kroll, "'Lord of the Rings' Series Taps Morfydd Clark as Young Galadriel (EXCLUSIVE)" dated 17 December 2019, Variety (accessed 4 January 2020)
  29. "Tom Budge on Instagram" dated 14 March 2021, Instagram (accessed 5 April 2021)

External links