August 27, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Amazon Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” held a special premiere in Singapore, bringing in its stars and showrunners to drum up excitement for Season 2.
The “gold-carpet” event held over the weekend was graced by showrunner J.D. Payne, director Charlotte Brändström and the ensemble cast — Charlie Vickers, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Megan Richards, Markella Kavenagh, Charles Edwards, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Tyroe Muhafidin, and Trystan Gravelle.
The STAR had the privilege of previewing the first two episodes during the special screening and it’s clear that the upcoming season is set to take its most beloved and vulnerable characters on an even darker journey, what with the unveiling of the iconic villain Sauron. The show officially returns to the streaming platform on Aug. 29.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” is based on the heroic legends and fabled characters — from elves, dwarves, orcs, men, wizards to Harfoots — of the Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. It’s set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” The series follows characters, both fresh and familiar, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil in Middle-earth.
The first season of “The Rings of Power” was an unprecedented success, viewed by more than 100 million people worldwide, with more than 32 billion minutes streamed. On the first day of its release, it generated more than 25 million global viewers, marking the biggest premiere in the history of Prime Video. It also debuted as the No. 1 show on Nielsen’s overall streaming chart in its opening weekend.
During the premiere night, showrunner J.D. Payne teased how Season 2 had built on the first season’s scope and ambition.
“It’s really a spectacular season,” he said. “It’s broader, deeper, and bigger, going into more worlds and mythology. It gets really dark and twisted, and this time, turning into a psychological thriller with more creatures, action, and scale you have never seen before.”
Photos courtesy of Prime Video
Charlotte Brändström, who returns to lead the all-female directing team for Season 2, hinted at more epic battles. The Swedish filmmaker noted how a major battle scene in Season 1 provided “training” for what’s in store in Season 2. “There was a premise in Season 2 that got darker and more exciting, with a lot more at stake,” she explained.
When talking about finally giving a “face” to Sauron in the follow-up season, Charlie Vickers bantered with his British co-star Charles Edwards, who plays the elven smith Celebrimbor, about their major screen time together.
“Sauron looks a bit different this season,” the Australian actor began. “For me, it was about approaching and trying to find a through line from the first season to the second. He’s very good at working his way into people’s minds and becoming what they need.
“This season, Sauron is all about Celebrimbor, coming in a disguise that Tolkien described as a fair form. He manipulates and creates many rings with him.”
“Yes, he bullies and tortures,” Edwards quipped.
“He’s really kind to him, really straight and really has a nice time (with him),” deadpanned Vickers.
Payne couldn’t help but jokingly add, “It’s really a bromance.”
Meanwhile, Megan Richards, who plays the Harfoot Poppy in the series, became emotional as she told the crowd “I love you” in Mandarin. After all, it was a very special moment for her to be gracing a premiere held in her Singaporean mom’s homeland. She has been to the country many times as a kid, but not yet as an adult.
Ismael Cruz Córdova, Director Charlotte Brändström, Cynthia Addai-Robinson and Markella Kavenagh
The rest of the cast also found the trip as an opportunity to bond with everyone else.
Australian actress Markella Kavenagh, who portrays the Harfoot Nori, said, “It was an absolute pleasure working this season and a joy to reunite with everyone on this press tour.”
Agreed Edwards, “It’s so true, when we were filming in our little worlds, we had no idea what our colleagues were up to. Watching these screenings and doing the junkets and press tours give us a chance to celebrate each other, as well as the show, and you guys (the fans).”
Ismael Cruz Córdova, who plays the elf soldier Arondir, further described the show as a “monumental labor of love” that involved “a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, and very long hours. This season has everything and more.”
On the sidelines of the premiere and press tour, some of the cast members had surprising revelations and interesting interactions when they learned we were from the Filipino media.
Welsh actor Trystan Gravelle, who portrays the adviser Pharazon to the Queen Regent Miriel character of Cynthia Addai-Robinson, shared that he’s a huge fan of Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.
Young Australian actor Tyroe Muhafidin, who is Theo in the series, revealed that his best friend is actually Pinoy, while the Puerto Rican Córdova had a message of gratitude for his Filipino supporters.
“Thank you so much for your support, you have been one of the OGs. I’ve had some Filipino fans for over 12 years when I did my first film, and you guys have always been supportive. I’ll never forget that, I’ll keep that in mind. I look forward to coming to your country one day and eating your amazing food, first and foremost Adobo and some Jollibee. Much love!”
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