Amazon Had To Hire Therapists For Lord Of The Rings Cast Because Fans Hated It So Much
Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power had to have an on-set therapist to help the cast handle the backlash.
Although The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was touted as the next big thing in television due to high expectations from fans of the books and Peter Jackson’s motion picture series, the Amazon Prime Video series struggled to retain viewership during its initial season. To make matters worse, the backlash over the show’s dedication to inclusivity and diversity in casting led numerous cast and crew members to resort to therapy during production. According to Variety, an on-site therapist was present to lend a listening ear and offer support to those who required it.
Ismael Cruz Córdova, who portrays Arondir in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, was a guest on this week’s Just For Variety podcast. During the interview, Ismael Cruz Córdova openly addressed the presence of an on-site therapist, whose primary responsibility was to prioritize the mental health of the cast and crew during the filming process, particularly in response to the negative reactions received regarding the show’s inclusivity. “You need support when this happens because the voices are so loud and they’re coming at you from so many places,” Córdova said.
In a candid admission, the 36-year-old The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power star revealed the immense value of having a therapist on set. He expressed his fondness for the therapist’s presence, noting that her mere presence brought comfort and reassurance even without direct interaction. Córdova added that having someone present who saw him as more than just an actor was nice.
Set in a distant era preceding The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by thousands of years, The Rings of Power immerses viewers in a realm where ancient powers were forged, kingdoms flourished and crumbled, and unforeseen heroes faced perilous trials amidst the fragile thread of hope. Against a backdrop of relative tranquility, the series embarks on an enthralling journey with a diverse ensemble cast, blending beloved and fresh characters, as they confront the ominous resurgence of evil in Middle-Earth. From the shadowy abyss of the Misty Mountains to the resplendent forests of Lindon, the elven capital, and the captivating island realm of Númenor, this tapestry of kingdoms and characters weaves legacies that endure far beyond their time.
The first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premiered on September 1, 2022, and concluded with its eighth episode on October 14. The show’s second season commenced production in October of last year, and filming is reportedly on the verge of completion within the coming days. In contrast to numerous other shows that were affected by the ongoing writer’s strike, The Rings of Power remained in production.
The premiere date for the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is still pending confirmation, and naturally, the hope is that the show can attract and maintain a larger audience compared to its initial season. Given the substantial production costs involved, Amazon is undoubtedly counting on the series to thrive. The success of the show is crucial for the streaming platform to recoup its substantial investment and ensure the continued growth and popularity of the franchise.
