Actor Rory Kinnear to Play Tom Bombadil in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Series

Kapanlagi.com - Prime Video has announced that Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor Rory Kinnear (known for his role in the James Bond films, The Imitation Game), who was previously announced to be joining the cast of the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, will be portraying the beloved character Tom Bombadil, a favorite among J.R.R. Tolkien fans. The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on August 29, 2024.

This announcement comes after much speculation online, as the immortal, enigmatic, and joyful character of Tom Bombadil has been loved by Tolkien fans for decades. Due to his role in many important moments throughout the story, the absence of this character from other on-screen Middle-earth adaptations has often been a topic of heated discussion. This news was revealed through images from the upcoming series and an interview in Vanity Fair that was released online.

1. Opinions on the Character Tom Bombadil

Showrunner of this series, J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay, are very enthusiastic about bringing this new element into the story, and are pleased that the talented Kinnear will bring this iconic role to life. “He is strange, magical, and almost tends to be silly. But he also has the wisdom of ages, the harmony of music with the universe, and the emotional depth of ancient history and myths. His conception and function are related to Norse myths and deeply rooted in European folklore,” said McKay.

“Strangely, he is a character who is very Lord of the Rings in Lord of the Rings.” Payne added, “Tom becomes like a puzzle within that structure, because despite his darker nuances, Tom Bombadil sings and speaks verses that could be children's songs from children's poetry. He is like a counterpoint to the changing atmosphere in the rest of the season and a bright spot in the midst of darkness.”

2. Rory Kinnear's Comment

Rory Kinnear welcomes the opportunity to wear the iconic yellow boots. He also explains that although the character description of Tom Bombadil is well-known to readers, he enjoys the chance to portray the voice and behavior of the mysterious creature for the first time in Tolkien's on-screen adaptation.

"There is such a great experience, great openness, great empathy, and having gone through so much that he (Bombadil) knows that the small things are actually important. It feels quite domestic, feels quite accessible in terms of my understanding of who he is."

3. About the Character Tom Bombadil

Tom Bombadil is a mysterious figure in Tolkien's work who is always wise, often encouraging other characters to see things more clearly and helping them understand the vast world around them. In the story, he claims to be as old as Middle-earth itself, possessing wisdom far beyond others. Identified with the spirit of exploration and the search for meaning, Bombadil is known for his yellow boots, blue cloak, furry hat, and his tendency to speak in riddles in the form of songs.

Curious? Wait until August while watching the first season. The first season of eight episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power can now be watched in various languages on Prime Video, exclusively available in over 240 countries and territories.

(kpl/pit)