News about Amazon’s high-profile Lord of the Rings show, set to shoot in New Zealand, continues to trickle out. Collider reports that Amazon has inked a deal with English actor Maxim Baldry, who appeared in the HBO miniseries Years and Years. Per Collider, his role in Lord of the Rings is “significant.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Maxim Baldry attends the HBO’s Post Emmy Awards Reception at The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Baldry does kind have that elvish look, although he could just as easily play a Númenorean — this show is set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, when the Númenoreans were still a force to be reckoned with; Aragorn, from the main trilogy, is one of their ancestors. Sauron is forging the Rings of Power, the elves are still very active…it was a heady time.
Other cast members we’ve heard about include Black Mirror star Will Poulter…
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Will Poulter attends the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2019 at The Royal Festival Hall on May 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
…and Picnic at Hanging Rock star Markella Kavenagh:
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 03: Markella Kavenagh attends the 2018 AACTA Awards Presented by Foxtel | Industry Luncheon at The Star on December 3, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images for AFI)
Amazon is spending an insane amount of money on this project, but while its Wheel of Time show seems to be rolling right along, we’ve heard very little about this production. We do know that showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay are running the show, and that Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman is on board to help.
Anyway, filming should begin soon. Stay tuned.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Watch Game of Thrones for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels