Prime Video captivated fans this past weekend at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), unveiling a glimpse into the highly anticipated second season of their epic series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, along with Ismael Cruz Córdova, Tyrone Muhafidin, and over a dozen cast members, took over the iconic Hall H stage for an engaging conversation, moderated by Emmy-nominated actress and genre enthusiast Yvette Nicole Brown.

Ismael Cruz Córdova Discusses the Challenges and Rewards of Playing a Stoic Elf

One highlight was Ismael Cruz Córdova delving into the complexities of portraying Arondir, the stoic Silvan Elf tasked with safeguarding Middle-earth’s Southlands. When questioned about his preference for infusing his character with more charisma and joy, rather than adhering to the silent and stoic elf archetype established by Orlando Bloom’s Legolas, Córdova candidly admitted, “It’s hard. It’s a truly beautiful challenge because I personally love samurai movies and ninjas, and I adore stillness.” He went on to explain that while he found the task demanding, it was ultimately rewarding.

“I find, I find the specificity in the stillness and, the contemplative nature of the elf extremely difficult. Don’t get me wrong, not being able to emote because, like, right now here, like, we’re slouching, we’re doing this, we’re doing that, but they don’t do any of that. Yeah. So like the stillness, the uprightness, like the consideration. But it’s specificity. I find it very, like a beautiful challenge. And also, you know when an emotion is strong because it starts to creep up. If you see suddenly a smile creep up, you’re like, oh, my God. Or if you see the tears swell, you know, so, it is extremely challenging. But I do like, I do like it. And, also on the other side of it all, these are elves. They are, you know, fantasy creatures. And some people need to be a little bit more open to Legolas smiling.”

Córdova and Tyroe Muhafidin on dealing with the bigotry

Moreover, Córdova’s casting as Arondir significantly diversifies the Tolkien universe, as he is the first Afro-Latino actor to portray a prominent elf in a Tolkien adaptation. The actor has openly addressed the importance of representation in this context. When questioned about his feelings regarding the bigotry and racism surrounding his casting, Córdova revealed that many crew members, including himself, had been targeted online by bigots and misogynists.

Furthermore, both Córdova and Tyrone Muhafidin, who plays the character Theo, have shared their similar experiences of constantly facing injustice, emphasizing that these challenges have never deterred them. They firmly believe in everyone’s equal right to exist and have utilized their platforms to speak out against such injustices. Although hurt by the prejudice he encountered, Córdova has risen above it and is now focused on his work and fans.

“That kind of injustice will forever bother me, and I hope that it always bothers me, you know what I mean? I was aware of it from the beginning. It’s never deterred me from it. And it’s not going to deter me. People are still going to have to deal with us because we exist and we have the same right to exist. I think it’s very spiritual, very, important journey to receive all of that. Because we both received, [Córdova and Tyroe Muhafidinour] our share of it. I think I became the loudest voice there because I did feel a little bit more, in a better position, like, you know, to even within what was happening to us, I  was having more privilege to have this male voice, you know. Sophia [Nomvete] is going through it as well. But, like, that’s also with misogyny. Tyroe going through it with the component of being younger. So I felt even within that I had still a privilege. And I used it, as you all know, and I spoke loudly about it. Spiritually, when I say spiritually, like, holistically, it really hurt at one point and it just caught up. I cocooned, I came back and couldn’t care less. I mean, I love our show, I love my art, I love my character.  The fans are freaking awesome. And they’re really the ones that matter.” -Ismael Cruz Córdova

Córdova and Muhafidin on the conflict between their characters

In the show, Arondir’s story is one of duty, love, and conflict. He develops a forbidden relationship with Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi), a human healer. He grapples with his feelings for Bronwyn while facing the rising threat of evil in the Southlands. His character is known for his fighting skills, agility, and unwavering loyalty. Bronwyn is a healer from the village of Tirharad and a single mother to her son, Theo. All of this causes tension between Arondir and Theo.

“I think it’s really interesting because, you know, there was always a conflict between the two. There was always a tension. I think to at the end of season one, that kind of started to, you know, release and started to fade. But I think no matter what, that tension is always going to be there. But just because there’s tension, it doesn’t mean there’s not love. I think, Bronwyn’s presence and vibe, brings them or not forces them to love each other, but it kind of shows them that they’re both worthy of being loved.” – Tyroe Muhafidin

I and that pushes them closer. I mean, the bond is there whether the person is there or not. I mean, the the bond, that bond still exists, you know, whatever pivot happens and I think you’ll see that without, giving any plot. you see that very strongly in the second season. and as characters it’s a beautiful challenge also as actors, I think we both had to kind of essentially grow up. Arondir is a teenage elf in a certain way. They are hundreds and hundreds of years old, but in the scope of things is actually closer to the angst that Theo has, than anything else. So I think we both have to, like, grow up in certain ways, at the same time. I’m like this younger elf, even though quite old, dealing, with this other teenager or the newness, the angst, the exentensial. And sure. Yeah. It’s hard. It’s, Well, I think we both have to grow up quite fast and you’ll see what the dynamic is.” – Ismael Cruz Córdova

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Hall H Panel at SDCC

Thrilling the 6,500 fans who packed the massive convention center hall known as Hall H, the ensemble cast unveiled a brand-new exclusive trailer for the upcoming season. The action-packed trailer showcased the long-feared reemergence of the legendary villain Sauron, heralding the return of darkness and evil to Middle-earth. Additionally, the trailer highlighted the creation of more of the titular Rings of Power, forged with the aid of Sauron’s powers of deception and manipulation.

Fans were also treated to glimpses of many fantastical creatures, including a young Shelob, an army of Barrow-wights, Hill-troll Damrod, a Sea Worm, and even Ents! Teases of several major battle scenes, pivotal to Season Two’s storylines, further captivated the riveted crowd.

The cast members who participated in the show’s Hall H panel included Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Maxim Baldry. Additionally, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sam Hazeldine, Ema Horvath, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Charlie Vickers, Benjamin Walker, and Daniel Weyman.

The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere in August 2024

Season Two of The Rings of Power plunges headlong into Sauron’s vengeful return. After being cast out by Galadriel, the rising Dark Lord finds himself without an army or allies. However, he cunningly relies on his own dark powers to rebuild his strength. And will orchestrate the creation of the Rings of Power, his ultimate tools to enslave Middle-earth.

Building on the epic scale and ambition of Season One, this new chapter intensifies the struggle. Plunging even the most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness. Friendships are strained, and kingdoms begin to fracture as the forces of evil gain momentum. In this escalating conflict, the champions of good must find their place and fight to protect what they hold dear.

Meanwhile, as alliances crumble, the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots must all find a way to unite against the looming darkness. Season Two promises to delve deeper into Sauron’s insidious schemes, testing the resilience of both heroes and villains alike.

With executive producers J.D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Lindsey Weber, and a talented team at the helm, this next chapter promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable journey. Season 2 of The Rings of Power will premiere on Prime Video on August 29, 2024.

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