One of the most controversial parts of the premiere of the rings of power it was certainly the flourishing racism that reigned among the public. While a few complained about the treatment of the story, many others excused these changes, but posted comments against the diversity of the cast in the process. Being Tolkien’s stories and culture a lore centrist European where everything is supposedly described as white, the fact of having people of color in the cast irritated many heads.
After the premiere, many actors had to defend themselves not only from criticism. But also hate comments and some harassment on social networks. None of them decided to abandon the fight, or close their spaces of coexistence in the network. However, many now wonder if such an undertaking was worth it. Now that the series has come to an end, Variety asked three actors who found themselves in the middle of the storm, if they think that the public’s perception changed after the broadcast of the series.
Israel Cruz Córdova, who plays the elf Arondir, believes that this type of reaction was necessary. At the end of the day they show the situation in which the world finds itself. But more importantly, they are evidence of all the work that still needs to be done.
“The fact that attention has shifted to that shows you what the power of programs like this is,” he said. “The fact that it touched that nerve, and that our presence in it created such a response, just calls attention to the grandeur of the fantasy. the greatness of The Lord of the rings and why it’s really good that we’re here. Has it perhaps become too much? Absolutely! I’ve taken time to breathe deeply about who we are as artists. But it just shows where we are in the world and how much work we have left to do. I am very grateful that we are the ones who can recalibrate, break the mold, reshape and make history.”
Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Queen Miriel in the series, considers that the world is still in the process of change. A time when people must stop to consider what is wrong and suggest that things be different, until such time as that is no longer necessary. For example, until the moment in which announcing and accepting the resolution of a casting process is not a constant struggle or something that must be justified from a racist point of view.
“While it has been challenging, it has been a phenomenal time to be a part of,” Addai-Robinson said. “Doors are open and accessibility is available for absolutely everyone to feel safe within a franchise and story of this scale. It has been very important and empowering. Tears have been shed, blood has been shed, metaphorically, but we are here.”
While public perception cannot be accurately gauged at this point in history, analysts can see that the casting choices were ultimately successful. Although some may still complain at the end, the three actors showed why they were chosen. Acting and interpretive skills that go beyond inclusion or the need to make certain groups angry.
Such is the opinion and commentary of Cruz Córdova, who firmly believes that now the characters live in their own right. Because they have shown themselves as performers and also to the viewers why they were chosen for this mission.
“At first they asked a lot ‘tell us what you do’. Because the series had not come out,” Córdova commented. “Now the characters live by themselves. We’ve created these characters who, with the help of a whole team, live for themselves and have their own impact. And while the talk and noise continues out there, these characters are undeniable. We have felt a lot of love.”
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power came to an end on October 14 after several weeks being bombarded by social media racism. After eight episodes, the series showed why it is the most expensive audiovisual ever directed for television. But he also made it clear that skinning some characters isn’t imperative to the end result.
In the series, actress Sophia Nomvete plays the dwarf princess Disa. Precisely she is sure that after the broadcast of the series there was a change in the public’s perception. She even received some apology messages. The reason is simple: her work speaks for itself.
“We still have a lot of controversy, but there has been a change,” explained the interpreter. “It felt like we had to prove ourselves, almost. We had to defend ourselves. But it is undeniable that these people, who are in the position they are in, deserve to be there and should be there. There is no one else who could have played the part. I sincerely feel that there has been a closure. I’ve even received apologies, which I love, even if it’s just one person acknowledging that that frame of mind was wrong.”
the rings of power is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Luis Angel H Mora My most stable relationship is with movies, parties and music. I love writing about cinema, meeting new people and sharing ideas. Idealistic in every way, I guess that’s my Aquarian Ascendant trait.