With the long-awaited Rings of Power series set to air in September 2022, fans have been eagerly following updates about the new show. From the moment the Amazon series was confirmed, it has sparked an excitement that grows exponentially with every new teaser poster, trailer, and series hint that is released.
By far one of the most thrilling updates was learning who has been cast to play the iconic roles, and delving into their past acting debuts to learn a little more about them and get some insight into how they may portray Tolkien’s world.
Morfyyd Clark (playing Galadriel)
Morfyyd Clark has had some interesting roles throughout her career, but she seems to be a particular fan of the classics, and of horror movies, and enjoys playing roles in films where these two genres collide. For example, she starred in The Personal History of David Copperfield, and in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which are both comical pastiches of the original works they are based on. However, she is probably most recognizable from her recent role in Saint Maude, a massively creepy film for all of the horror fans out there, which gives Lord of the Rings fans hopes that she might tap into some of Galadriel’s more ominous powerful qualities.
Robert Aramayo (playing Elrond)
Robert Aramayo is relatively new to the acting scene, but has already played some fantastic roles. He has played some minor recognizable parts, including a young sergeant in the recent release The King's Man (a prequel to the Kingsman films) and as young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones, but is probably most recognized by fans of Behind Her Eyes, for playing the character Rob.
Sophia Nomvete (Playing Disa)
Now here is an actress whom very little is known about. She has been in and out of various types of social media and online influencing for years, but her role as the Dwarven Princess Disa will be one of her first major acting roles. Disa is one of the most controversial additions to the new series, not only because she isn’t nearly hairy enough for a dwarven woman, but because of the diversity she brings to Tolkien’s usually whitewashed portrayals, and fans are so excited to finally see the representation and inclusions they have longed for in Middle Earth.
Markella Kavanagh (playing Tyra/ Eleanor Brandyfoot)
Markella is another little-known actress, who has featured in Picnic At Hanging Rock, playing Myrtle, and Romper Stomper, playing Cindi, but is probably best known for her heart-wrenching role as Claudia in My First Summer. This actress appears to be playing multiple roles in the series, one by the name of Tyra, and one by the name of Eleanor Harfoot, a non-canonical character invented for the new series.
Owain Arthur (Prince Durin IV)
Owain Arthur has appeared in lots of well known series across his career, from A Confession, to Casualty and Death in Paradise. His up-and-coming character in The Rings of Power is Durin IV, one of the long line of Durin’s sons, and a direct ancestor of Thorin Oakenshield. It is unknown how big a part his character will be, but fans are excited by this link to the characters from The Hobbit.
Ismael Cruz Cordova (playing Arondir)
Ismael Cordova is an awesome addition to the cast in the role of Arondir, and his quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his skillful shots in the Rings of Power trailer. The actor is most known for his role as Qin in The Mandalorian, and judging by his green elven armor, he appears to be a silvan elf of Mirkwood, so there are already lots of theories in circulation about how he relates to Thranduil and Legolas.
Nazanin Boniadi (playing Bronwyn)
Nazanin is quickly becoming a hugely successful and well-recognized actress after her roles as Nora in How I Met Your Mother, and Fara Sherazi in Homeland. Fans are already hooked on her character in Rings of Power, another non-canonical addition by the name of Bronwyn. The air of mystery surrounding the secret love between her as a human woman and Arondir as an elven man has already got fans hot under the collar.
Charlie Vickers (playing Halbrand)
Here is a character with a dark past, as the only thing that has been revealed about him so far is that he is running from something he will never escape. He is seen clutching a sword with a horse motif, which suggests he may be connected to the mighty kingdom of Rohan. Vickers most notable role prior to the new Amazon series is that of Guglielmo Pazzi in Medici
Benjamin Walker (playing Gil-galad)
Gil-galad is a character often referenced in the Lord of the Rings, as one of the mightiest members of the Last Alliance who took down Sauron in the Second Age. Fans are enticed by his connection to the well known trilogy and are enthusiastic to see some expansion on this little-touched upon character. Who better to play him than the star of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and Marvel's Jessica Jones?
Maxim Baldry (Isildur)
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Fans have been delighted to see the introduction of a young Isildur into the show. He is portrayed as a weak man who was unable to resist the lure of the ring, and many are eager to learn more about him before he was corrupted. Maxim Baldry, a promising young actor known for his roles as Viktor Goraya in Years and Years, and Liam Donovan in Hollyoaks will be a fantastic rendition of this well-known character.