Amazon spent a billion dollars on this—time to see if it sparkles or sinks.
An edited version of the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, shown exclusively to fans in cinemas around the world in August 2022. In a time of relative peace, an ensemble cast of characters confronts the re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.
Production
Practical sets dwarf most fantasy shows' entire budgets.
Cinematography
Bayona's volcanic prologue is genuinely stunning IMAX spectacle.
Costume
Elven armor that actually looks centuries old, not cosplay.
Director
J. A. Bayona
Morfydd Clark
Galadriel
Charlie Vickers
Halbrand
Robert Aramayo
Elrond
Benjamin Walker
High King Gil-galad
Charles Edwards
Celebrimbor
Owain Arthur
Prince Durin IV
Sophia Nomvete
Princess Disa
Peter Mullan
King Durin III
Lloyd Owen
Elendil
Maxim Baldry
Isildur
Cynthia Addai-Robinson
Queen Regent Míriel
Trystan Gravelle
Pharazôn
Ema Horvath
Eärien
Leon Wadham
Kemen
Ismael Cruz Cordova
Arondir
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This fan screening happened before critics saw it—Amazon bet hard on superfans drowning out early skepticism.
The compressed two-episode format actually improves pacing; many viewers preferred this cut to the Disney+ drip model.
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