In the face of horrible online racism, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” publicly stands up for its cast members of color. The eagerly awaited fantasy series debuted on September 1 and has received an abundance of favorable reviews, many of which single out the actors, plot, music, and cinematography as highlights. “The Rings of Power’s” second season has already been picked up by Prime Video, and production will start in October.
“The Rings of Power” will explore the Second Age events in Middle-earth, thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings. Alongside well-known figures from Middle-earth mythology, like Galadriel and Elrond, the series also includes newcomers. “The Rings of Power” has been somewhat eclipsed by the aforementioned racist backlash, despite the fact that this is an exciting time for admirers of author J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. The casting of persons of color has drawn criticism from purported Tolkien lovers, a reaction that has tragically become typical when it comes to treasured works. Many people, including Neil Gaiman and other Lord of the Rings actors, have spoken out against these assaults.
“The Rings of Power” denounces the cowardly harassment in a recent statement that was posted on social media. It claims that Tolkein’s writings are about bringing together individuals from all cultures for the greater good and that fantasy has never just been about white guys. The show shows solidarity for all the people of color who have been subjected to racist insults and explains how their contributions make the fandom a better and richer community. the tweet that is below:
We stand in solidarity with our cast. #YouAreAllWelcomeHere pic.twitter.com/HLIQdyqLmr
— The Lord of the Rings on Prime (@LOTRonPrime) September 7, 2022
There was always going to be opposition to “The Rings of Power” because it aimed to innovate within Tolkien’s canon. Threats and intimidation directed at performers, however, are outdated and disrespectful of Tolkien’s heritage. It doesn’t matter what the original text says or how other adaptations have handled it in the past. It would be ludicrous and offensive to suggest that women and BIPOCs have no place in Middle-earth, a fantastical universe where anything is possible. “The Rings of Power’s” statement in response to this outrage may have been delayed a bit, but it is nonetheless forceful and encouraging.
It’s terrible that the internet’s cacophony now dominates so many talks about media, silencing any meaningful debate about the value of entertainment. Even “The Rings of Power” itself isn’t the subject of the backlash; rather, it’s just another worthless diversion from people who are unwilling to look beyond their own bubble. “The Rings of Power” will ultimately prove to be a fantastic addition to The Lord of the Rings canon because of all the great individuals who make it possible, and the series’ faith in that assertion is unquestionable.
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