When it was announced that Amazon was set to produce The Rings of Power, a prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, fans were ecstatic to revisit J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. But despite opening to a record 25 million viewership, the highest in the streaming platform’s history, the sentiment surrounding the new addition to the iconic IP was pretty mixed.
Despite winning over fans with its eye-popping visuals, with many deeming it a worthy addition to the iconic franchise, its naysayers accused the show of pushing a woke agenda. And with the trailer for Season 2 set to be unveiled soon, a similar discourse has popped up once again.
The Rings of Power Season 2 Trailer Announcement Opens to Mixed Reception
Even before The Rings of Power premiered, which cost Amazon a whopping $700 million to produce, some netizens accused the show of pushing a woke agenda following its diverse cast. They argued the show was overlooking the storytelling aspect in favor of preaching the message, and are assured season 2 will be no different.
Sounds like you’re out of excuses and realize it’s time to drop your next billion dollar turd 🤣
— Mandolango (@ItsMandolango) May 13, 2024
Looking to break your record of over 4 million dislikes on YouTube?
— Orange Hat (@OrangeHat2185) May 13, 2024
Remove “The Lord of the Rings” from title!
— CunoTheBelgijk (@CUNEYT_BEY) May 13, 2024
No leave Tolkien’s work alone!!! pic.twitter.com/Ybqfk0F9OE
— OdaNaomi (@Naomi0150657378) May 13, 2024
However, fans of the show have defended the prequel, stressing that despite incorporating a diverse cast, the showrunners didn’t wield that cast to make some sort of political statement. And with Amazon announcing the date for season 2’s trailer, they’re excited to hop back to the Middle-Earth.
— Math (@mathmpv) May 13, 2024
And the Faulkiens squealed with glee over a teaser to announce a teaser.
— Sean D Knight (@SeanDKnight) May 13, 2024
And the saddest people on the planet keep whining
— Velvet Rapture (@RaptureVelvet) May 13, 2024
I love it when the morons come to announce themselves by downvoting. Saddest people imaginable.
— Velvet Rapture (@RaptureVelvet) May 13, 2024
Frodo too previously came forward in defense of the show’s diversity. Taking to X, Elijah Wood shared a post of him, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd of wearing similar t-shirts.
You Are All Welcome Here @LOTRonPrime @DonMarshall72 #RingsOfPower https://t.co/8txOhlHa2f pic.twitter.com/nWytILT0zG
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) September 7, 2022
Each t-shirt featured six sets of ears in various skin tones, with the caption “You All Are Welcome Here”, and the sweet gesture from the Hobbit stars was adored by the fandom.
The Rings of Power Season 2 Is Set to Be Darker and Edgier
While a release date is yet to be announced for the sequel, per director Charlotte Brändström, season 2 is set to take a darker and edgier turn compared to its predecessor.
Although Brändström, who directed two episodes of season 1 and helmed four of the second season, didn’t touch on the plot details, she revealed that they tried to make season 2 grittier.
She told Jonatan Blomberg from MovieZine:
“What I know and what I can say for a fact is that it’s going to be darker, and it’s going to be edgier and more character driven. I still think that we have some very interesting episodes coming up. I watched all of them over Christmas, just the cuts. I think it’s going to be a very good season. We tried to make it more gritty, a little bit more dirty I guess. And not in the image, but to make it as authentic as possible. We have some very surprising twists and turns in it as well.”
Although fans will hope Brändström’s assessment for season 2 turns out true, following the current political climate, it doesn’t seem the discourse surrounding the show will simmer down anytime soon.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
