Amazon has been very secretive with cast selections and further details on their upcoming Lord of the Rings series. In July, Markella Kavenagh (The Cry, Picnic at Hanging Rock) was added as regular cast member with her role as Tara. Today, news broke out that Will Poulter has been cast in the lead role.
Poulter has made a name for himself with hit films We’re the Millers, the Maze Runner franchise, and most recently Midsommar. Although this is not official news – as Amazon has not made any comments regarding the latest addition – it would be a delight to see the young actor display his craft on-screen in one of the biggest household names this series is being based on.
J.A. Bayona (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) will direct the first two episodes in season one and serve as executive producer for the show alongside Belén Atienza. “JRR Tolkien created one of the most extraordinary and inspiring stories of all time, and as a lifelong fan it is an honor and a joy to join this amazing team,” said Bayona. “I can’t wait to take audiences around the world to Middle-earth and have them discover the wonders of the Second Age, with a never before seen story.”
The show is being developed and written by JD Payne and Patrick McKay, who will both sit in as executive producers as well. The two have picked a pretty outstanding team for costumes, visual effects, production crew, and other roles essential for a great TV show. “This team is our Fellowship – assembled from around the world, all walking the road together to try and accomplish something far greater than any of us could on our own,” said McKay and Payne. “We feel humbled and extremely lucky to be surrounded by such inspiring and talented women and men.”
Production is set to take place in 2020.