Prime Video has recently announced that Rory Kinnear, an award-winning actor known for his roles in James Bond and The Imitation Game, will portray the iconic character Tom Bombadil in the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. This highly anticipated season will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on August 29, 2024.
Tom Bombadil is a beloved character from J.R.R. Tolkien's universe, renowned for his enigmatic and joyous nature. His absence from previous film adaptations has often been a topic of discussion among fans. Bombadil is distinguished by his yellow boots, blue jacket, and feathered hat, along with his whimsical songs and poems. The show's creators, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, are excited to introduce this character into the series, describing him as fantastical and magical, bordering on the ridiculous
Rory Kinnear, who has delivered memorable performances in films like James Bond and The Imitation Game, expressed his excitement about playing Tom Bombadil. He highlighted the character's appreciation for the small things in life and his profound wisdom. Kinnear mentioned that embodying Bombadil, with his timeless wisdom and unique personality, would bring a much-needed light and joy amid the series' growing darkness
The second season of The Rings of Power is set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books and explores the rise of Sauron and the creation of the Rings of Power. This epic series, produced by Amazon MGM Studios in association with New Line Cinema, is one of the most ambitious adaptations of Tolkien's universe. The showrunners, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, have promised a deeper dive into the lore and stories eagerly awaited by fans, focusing particularly on Sauron's cunning and the creation of the Rings of Power.
The first season of The Rings of Power was an unprecedented global success, drawing more than 100 million viewers and generating billions of minutes of streaming. This phenomenal success not only established the series as a cornerstone of Prime Video's catalog but also created significant anticipation for the sequel. With the introduction of new characters and locations, as well as the return of main actors, the second season promises to expand the Middle-earth universe even further.
In conjunction with the series, HarperCollins will reissue The Adventures of Tom Bombadil in paperback on August 20, 2024, just before the new season's release. Chris Smith, head of Tolkien publishing at HarperCollins, expressed hope that this reissue would encourage fans to learn more about this unique character, beloved by generations of readers (TV Insider).
Production for the second season began in October 2022 in the United Kingdom, after relocating from New Zealand. This move was driven by various factors, including economic and logistical considerations, as well as the desire to film in locations that inspired Tolkien. The new scenes were shot in various locations in the UK and the Canary Islands, adding a diverse visual palette to the series that reflects the vast landscapes of Middle-earth.
In conclusion, the introduction of Tom Bombadil, played by Rory Kinnear, in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power promises to bring a magical and enigmatic dimension to the series. This new season, with its deepened storyline and complex characters, is set to continue captivating Tolkien fans and drawing new viewers into the epic world of Middle-earth.
Synopsis :
Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows a cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they face the dreaded re-emergence of evil in Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the Elven capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, and on to the farthest reaches of the world, these kingdoms and characters will build legends that will live on long after their deaths. The plot takes place several thousand years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Based on The Lord of the Rings and appendices by J. R. R. Tolkien
Developed by J. D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Showrunners , J. D. Payne, Patrick McKay
Theme music composer : Howard Shore
Composer Bear McCreary
Executive producers : J. D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, Justin Doble, Gennifer Hutchison, Jason Cahill, J. A. Bayona,; Belén Atienza, Eugene Kelly, Bruce Richmond, Sharon Tal Yguado
Producers : Ron Ames, Chris Newman
Production companies : Amazon Studios, New Line Cinema
Network : Amazon Prime Video
Release September 1, 2022 – present
Running time : 65–72 minutes