Amazon's up and coming series the Rings of Power, based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, has got to be one of the most eagerly anticipated programs of 2022. With Tolkien fans spanning the entire globe, there is already a huge following from Peter Jackson’s 2001-2003 film adaptations of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and then again of his 2012-14 rendition of The Hobbit, which he again split into a trilogy. Now people are holding their breath to see how this next on-screen adaptation compares to the amazing works that have come before it.
The series sadly does not involve the amazing directorial skills of Peter Jackson, and is an Amazon original with a high budget. Many fans, especially those who are loyal to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, are anxious that the Amazon series will not live up to the hype and expectations, and will not do justice to those long ago films that literally changed the face of fantasy TV, by winning 11 Oscars, and 475 Academy Awards, which is more recognition than any Sci-Fi or fantasy story has received before or since. However, the new series has one major advantage that most prequels aren't afforded.
Middle Earth has, of course, had many ages, and by the time the audience reaches Frodo’s story, and the quest that the fellowship undertakes to destroy the ring of power, it’s already nearing the end of the Third Age. This means that there are several thousand years before the known and loved trilogy to be explored. Luckily for fans who have read the Silmarillion and the Unfinished Tales, Tolkien wrote a great deal about what happened during these long ages in his other works.
This is exciting because it means that readers are able to glean certain hints or possibilities about what content the Amazon series may focus on. With the release of the new trailer, it is clear that watchers will learn a little more about known and loved characters like Galadriel and Elrond, two of the best elves in Middle Earth, as well as some less familiar faces. It is still hoped by many that Gandalf might make a sneaky appearance too, even if only briefly.
The advantage though, that the Rings of Power has, is that these stories will be set so far apart from those already adored, that it will allow fans to approach the series with a fresh perspective, and create a little distance from comparisons that could ultimately be crushing for the new series viewership.
In keeping some of the same characters, but telling vastly different tales from a very different era of an idolized world, the creators did something very clever, because they have brought a new and surprising perspective on an old golden classic, whilst still allowing audiences to relate to characters they have been surrounded by since childhood. And with many recent films and TV Series playing into the tropes of character histories, (including Maleficent not being so evil after all, Cruella simply having a flair for the dramatic, and the recent hit Arcane) and how they became who they are, it is a tried and tested theory that is almost guaranteed to work. After all, who doesn’t love an origin story?
The other major advantage that the Rings of Power has in its time and distance from the originals, is that it creates space to modernize and embellish the world, without it feeling like it’s being disrespectful of a work that was written in a certain time period, with certain societal mindsets and influences being prevalent.
One of the most important aspects of the Rings of Power is the use of diversity and representation within the cast, something that was definitely lacking in the original films. Although this was definitely a product of Tolkien’s time, it is essential to address and rectify some of the issues and disparities over race, sexuality, identity, and many other aspects, that will be far more inclusive in the 2022 rendition of Middle Earth. Increased representation in the new series is one of the most fundamental improvements that the creators could have made, and fans are excited to finally have some Middle Earth heroes that symbolize all cultures and peoples.
With around 6 months to go until the new series is released, fans are hoping for more trailers, posters, and other tantalizing tidbits to be released soon. They are hoping for a new range of mythical beasts and creatures to bring the world alive, an exploration into some of the unknown worlds and lands surrounding Middle Earth, and above all, a new and compelling story that will stay with them, long after the series is finished, just as the originals have done.