Amazon Prime Video’sThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Poweris not just a television series, it’s a monumental undertaking that aims to bring the rich tapestry ofJ.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to the small screen. Collider had the privilege of visiting the set of themuch-anticipated Season 2with other reporters, where showrunnersJ.D. PayneandPatrick McKayoffered a glimpse into the production process, challenges, and their unwavering vision for the series.
When Collider’sSteve Weintraubasked about the long-term plan for the series, McKay emphasized the grand scope of their vision. “We took this insane, ambitious project on because we had a story we wanted to tell, and we felt needed to be told. We werewilling to give our lives for a long time to tell it. The plan hasn’t changed,” McKay stated.The dedication from the creative team and Amazonitself to a five-season narrative arc offers a clear example of the creators’ commitment to a cohesive and expansive storytelling approach.
Payne echoed this sentiment, explaining that certain aspects of production have accelerated as the team gains momentum. “Definitely some things speed up in Season 2 because we’ve cast a lot of the show. So, that process is a little further this time around,” Payne noted. The efficiency in casting and design allows for a more streamlined production, which is crucialgiven the show’s ambitious schedule.
How Has ‘The Rings of Power’ Evolved?
The first season ofThe Rings of Powerwas agroundbreaking achievement in television, not only for its budget but also for its scope and ambition. Filmed in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, the series brought to life the Second Age of Middle-earth with unparalleled visual splendor. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the production timeline and necessitated stringent health protocols.
Despite these hurdles,the team delivered a season that set the foundation for an epic saga. Reflecting on the experience, McKay shared, “Season 2 was largely written before Season 1 came out, but Season 2 has been produced after Season 1 came out. Part of the learning process for us on this is reallyseeing what people seem to respond to in the show.” Payne added, “We also take in everything.We read everything. We read the reviews, we read what you all have written, we read what your colleagues have written, and we read what the fans are saying.”
It’s that commitment to listening and adapting underscores the showrunners’ desire to create a series that resonates deeply with its audience while staying true to Tolkien’s legacy. The production ofThe Rings of Poweris a colossal endeavor too, involving intricate set designs, detailed costumes, and cutting-edge visual effects. One of the significant advantages of Season 2 is the absence of COVID-19 disruptions, which plagued the first season, as Payne noted:
“We also don’t have COVID in the middle of this one, which accelerates from what we did in Season 1. There are places where things go faster.”
McKay elaborated on the logistical improvements, stating, “I would say Season 2 is gonna take about half as long as Season 1 did, or even less. So, so far so good.” This acceleration is critical as the team aims to maintain the high production standards set by the inaugural season while delivering new episodes in a more timely manner. When asked about the budget for the new season by another visitor to the set, McKay assured that the scale remains consistent with audience expectations.
“Season 2 is, in terms of the scope that people hopefully expect from the show now, should not seem in any way out of pattern with the scope and feel and size of Season 1. If we’ve really done our jobs,it’ll even seem bigger.”
‘The Rings of Power’ Season 2 Is Doubling Down on Tolkien’s Legacy
A recurring theme in the conversation with Payne and McKay wastheir unwavering commitment to Tolkien’s vision. Payne emphasized:
“It empowers you to see what people respond to, and it’s always obvious:people respond to Tolkien. That’s why Tolkien is what, next to the Bible and the Quran, reaches readers around the world with a number of copies sold. So,let’s double down on Tolkienand go back to those things that draw people in.”
McKay added, “We had a plan, and we’re sticking with it. We have to do what we believe in.” For fans, hopefully, this approach ensures that the series remains grounded in the rich lore and timeless themes that have captivated readers for generations.
AsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powermarches forward, Payne and McKay’s vision will continue to evolve on the screen, informed by the lessons of Season 1 and the feedback from a passionate fanbase. With Season 2 promising to be even more ambitious, fans can look forward to a deepened exploration of Middle-earth’s Second Age, brought to life with the same dedication and care that has defined the series thus far. The journey is far from over, and the seriesreturns to Prime Video on August 29. Stay tuned to Collider for more from our set visit.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Epic drama set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.
