It worries as much as it intrigues, but one thing is certain, the prequel series to Lord of the Rings, The Rings of Power, is awaited by millions of fans of Tolkien’s universe and curious people. And if we had already understood that the world in which it will take place will be very different from the one we know, the information has just been openly confirmed.
Power rings: a series that will take risks
In less than four months, on September 2, 2022, we will finally be able to discover the soberly titled series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video. Taking place several thousand years before the trilogy of Peter Jackson and that of the Hobbit (and therefore the novels of Tolkien), it will still dwell on well-known characters, as well as original characters.
But, despite the presence of several known characters – in new guises – ranging from Galadriel to Isildur, including Elrond, the Prime Video series intends to innovate and take risks, evidenced by his desire to highlight a certain inclusiveness even if it means dividing the fans, and incidentally to make the Player of the Attic express himself, who had wondered about the logic of such a choice vis-à-vis the geography of Middle-earth, before being shamefully harassed on Twitter.
Speaking of Middle-earth, it is precisely she who should most surprise fans of the premiere of the Lord of the Rings, as it will have nothing to do with the one we saw in the six films taking place in this universe. This is indeed what was explained to Empire John Howe, art director on the original trilogy, who is also working on the Prime Video series.
Between revisited places and unexplored lands (and seas)
Not wishing anything concrete spoiler to allow us to keep the element of surprise intact, John Howe still wants to be clear: the world evolved well between the Second and the Third Age, this is why Middle-earth will not be at all that of our memories.
It’s not Middle-earth you remember. It’s a very vibrant world. The Elves are not hidden in Mirkwood or still in Rivendell. They took care of constructing kingdoms. The elven kingdom of Moria is not an abandoned mine and the Gray Havens are not yet an abandoned city. I loved having the opportunity to explore this never-before-seen part of history.
But John Howe does not stop there and would like to remind you that the series exclusive to Prime Video will dare to try things and does not simply intend to rest on the popularity of the trilogy of Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson.
We will finally sail the oceans of Middle-earth. […] The Elves are intimidating and enterprising, they almost colonize the world. They were very interesting to imagine. It’s something that neither the Lord of the Rings movies nor the Hobbit movies have touched on near or far.
If we will have to wait until September 2, 2022 to find out if promises are kept, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power in any case has all the ingredients for make us live incredible adventures and, above all, surprise us.
