Whether you were a die-hard fan attending the film’s midnight premieres or simply a lover of the books, there’s no doubt Amazon’s upcoming television series based on Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings has piqued your interest.
It’s not hard to see why. The book trilogy is globally loved and celebrated as the best in 20th century literature. It also spawned three blockbuster films, the last of which earned a record-breaking Oscar haul.
When Amazon revealed its intention to recreate the world of Middle Earth for television back in 2017, fans rejoiced. Any void felt after reading the books and watching the movie trilogy multiple times over was finally set to be satisfied, and to boot, we had an entirely new Middle Earth-based narrative to look forward to.
In the wise words of Boromir, “It is a gift”—the new television series, that is—to be bestowed a fresh new dose of J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical world.
Here, we look at what to expect from the upcoming Amazon series, including its plot, release date and cast.
What will Amazon’s Lord Of The Rings series be titled?
In January 2022, Amazon announced the new series would be titled, The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power.
“The significance behind the subtitle will not be lost on J.R.R. Tolkien fans, foreshadowing an epic story that welds the major events of Tolkien’s Second Age together: the forging of the iconic rings,” a statement from Amazon read.
The series showrunners, J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay added in the statement, “Until now, audiences have only seen on-screen the story of the One Ring—but before there was one, there were many… and we’re excited to share the epic story of them all.”
What will Amazon’s The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power be about?
The series will centre around J.R.R. Tolkien’s fabled Second Age in Middle Earth. Occurring thousands of years before the narratives from The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings, the story will introduce both new and old characters as they face the return of an evil presence in Middle Earth.
Prime Video have also now introduced two new characters, Theo and Bronwyn, along with images of both.
Theo (played by Tyroe Muhafidin) is seen holding a sword in the first image. In the second, Bronwyn (played by Nazanin Boniadi) stands before a river.
Who is in the cast of Amazon’s The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power?
Along with Tyroe Muhafidin and Nazanin Boniadi, Amazon have confirmed Spartacus’s Simon Merrells and Welsh actress Morfydd Clark, will also join the cast. Morfydd is set to play a younger version of Cate Blanchett’s Galadriel.
Also headlining is Cynthia Addai-Robinson who has starred in several television series over the years including Arrow and Shooter. British actors Lenny Henry and Maxim Baldry will also join the cast.
Absent from the list are any actors who previously starred in The Lord Of The Rings and subsequent Hobbit films,which isn’t all that surprising given the show is based long before the narratives of the original films. That said, expect new actors to portray younger versions of familiar key characters.
Heading the series as showrunners and executive producers are J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay.
Where is Amazon’s The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power filmed?
Much like its film predecessors, season one was filmed in New Zealand. Now known globally as the home of Middle Earth (there’s a legitimate Hobbiton in the North Island), it’s no surprise that the prequel be filmed in the same, scenic locations.
Head of Amazon Studios, Jennifer Salke stated: “I can’t express enough just how excited we all are to take our global audience on a new and epic journey through Middle-earth! Our talented producers, cast, creative, and production teams have worked tirelessly in New Zealand to bring this untold and awe-inspiring vision to life.”
In August 2021, it was revealed future seasons of the series would be filmed in the UK. The decision didn’t come without controversy, but Amazon’s response didn’t give much more reason for the shift: “The shift from New Zealand to the U.K. aligns with the studio’s strategy of expanding its production footprint and investing in studio space across the U.K., with many of Amazon Studios’ tentpole series and films already calling the U.K. home,” the company said in a statement.
When will Amazon’s The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power be released?
Expect to see the series premiere on Friday, September 2, 2022. Yes, they’re prepping us well in advance. And yes, our calendars are now officially blocked out.
Where can you watch Amazon’s The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power in Australia?
After its release on September 2, 2022, you’ll be able to view the series on Amazon Prime. In the meantime, get those po-tat-oes stewing in the name of Samwise.
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