Prime Video has announced that Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor Rory Kinnear will join the cast of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” as the beloved J.R.R. Tolkien character, Tom Bombadil. The character, known for his whimsical and enigmatic nature, will make his debut in the second season of the series, set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on August 29.
Kinnear, known for his roles in the James Bond films and “The Imitation Game,” will portray Tom Bombadil, a character cherished by Tolkien fans for decades.
Tom Bombadil: A Fan-Favorite Character
Tom Bombadil has long been a topic of discussion among Tolkien enthusiasts. Despite his significant role in the books, he has been notably absent from previous on-screen adaptations of Middle-earth. Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay described Bombadil as “whimsical and magical, almost verging on silly,” yet possessing deep wisdom and historical significance rooted in Norse myths and European fairy tales. Payne added that Bombadil’s light-hearted nature provides a contrast to the darker themes of the series, offering a point of light amidst the darkness.
Kinnear highlighted the challenge of bringing Bombadil’s voice and mannerisms to the screen for the first time. He noted the character’s blend of vast experience, empathy, and a focus on the small, important aspects of life.
The Return of “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil”
In conjunction with Kinnear’s portrayal of Tom Bombadil, HarperCollins will re-release “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil” in paperback on August 20. Chris Smith, Tolkien Publishing Director at HarperCollins, hopes that Kinnear’s performance will inspire viewers to explore the character’s literary adventures.
About “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” explores the heroic legends of Middle-earth’s Second Age, set thousands of years before the events of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” The series follows an ensemble cast as they confront the reemergence of evil in Middle-earth. The first season garnered unprecedented success, with over 100 million viewers worldwide and more than 32 billion minutes streamed.
The second season is produced by J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay, along with executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, and Gennifer Hutchison. Directors Sanaa Hamri and Louise Hooper will join the production team for the upcoming season.
Stay Tuned
Fans can anticipate the return of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” on August 29, exclusively on Prime Video.
Keep checking Trevor Decker News for the latest updates on “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and other entertainment news.