When production for The Lord of the Rings television series shifted from New Zealand to the UK, many fans feared that the essence of Middle-earth might be lost. However, Kiwi talent like Leon Wadham ensures that the spirit of Tolkien’s world remains vibrant in season two of Amazon’s prequel series, The Rings of Power.
Season two delves deeper into the looming darkness over Middle-earth, set nearly 1300 years before Frodo’s epic journey.
Fans can expect the introduction of new locations, including Númenor’s coastal regions and the darkening lands of Mordor, showcasing the scale and depth of Tolkien’s universe.
“This season is about characters being tested in the crucible of their circumstances,” explained showrunner JD Payne.
“We wanted to explore what happens when you’re pressed to the limit and the decisions you make in those moments of crisis.”
The storyline focuses on the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, portrayed by Australian actor Charlie Vickers, and his pivotal role in creating The Rings of Power.
Initially disguised as the human Halbrand, Vickers’ character was revealed as Sauron at the end of season one.
This season, Vickers takes on Sauron’s elf form, Annatar, a transformation that surprised even him.
“I had no idea. I filmed two episodes and didn’t know. I got told right before the third episode,” Vickers said.
‘The home of Sauron’
“The transformation of my character this season was intense. Knowing I was stepping into the shoes of one of literature’s greatest villains pushed me to explore new depths in my performance.”
To prepare for the role, Vickers returned to the iconic location where Sauron’s story began.
“I did the Tongariro Northern Circuit. I went out there for three or four days because it was the original Mount Doom,” he said.
“That was one of the first things I did — enter the home of Sauron.”
Kiwi Leon Wadham joins Vickers, taking on the role of Kemen, an entitled son — a character uniquely created for the series.
“I grew up in Wellington, so Tolkien has been part of my life as long as I can remember,” he said.
“We renamed the city Middle Earth for a little while, and it never occurred to me that I would be a part of this thing that means so much to so many people — you don’t lose sight of that.”
Kiwi actor
Kiwi Leon Wadham joins Vickers, taking on the role of Kemen, an entitled son — a character uniquely created for the series.
“I grew up in Wellington, so Tolkien has been part of my life as long as I can remember,” he said.
“We renamed the city Middle-earth for a little while, and it never occurred to me that I would be a part of this thing that means so much to so many people — you don’t lose sight of that.”
Markella Kavenagh, who plays the Harfoot (Middle-earth’s original hobbit), Nori, said that this season was a chance for fans to see how her character evolves on an adventure not too dissimilar to Frodo’s own.
“I think she does look out for everyone else except herself sometimes. And this season, we see her focusing on what she wants to do and her purpose,” Kavenagh said.
The series has become Prime Video’s most-watched show, premiering to more than one hundred million worldwide.
Faithful to the lore
The costume and set design teams worked closely with Tolkien scholars to ensure that every detail remained faithful to the lore while bringing something new to the screen.
“We were constantly in awe of the sets and costumes. There’s something magical about being in a space that feels so authentically Middle-earth,” Kavenagh added.
Also joining the fellowship of actors is 19-year-old Tyroe Muhafidin, who plays a human named Theo.
“I’m like the baby of the crew. Everyone smothers me at times, but in a great way,” Muhafidin joked.
“Everyone always has an eye out for me, and I always feel looked after and cared for.”
With the first three episodes already released and more to come, fans can expect epic battles, twists, and turns, with the promise that the best (or the worst) is yet to come.
As anticipation builds for Peter Jackson’s new Lord of the Rings film series, set to debut in 2026, Middle-earth’s legacy continues to grow.
