Rings of Power confirms fan-favourite character casting with first look
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has confirmed that a fan-favourite character will make their live-action debut in the fantasy show’s upcoming second season.
Set to be played by Bank of Dave and Bond star Rory Kinnear, Tom Bombadil will finally be introduced to fans on-screen. The enigmatic character has been absent from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and Ralph Bakshi's 1978 animated adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s novels.
Old Tom is shown for the first time in some new images shared by Vanity Fair, with one photo showing the character standing in front of 'The Stranger' (played by Daniel Weyman).
Related: New Lord of the Rings movie will bring back Andy Serkis as Gollum
Known for his brightly coloured clothing and jolly songs, Tom is a mysterious being who is said to have existed for much of the history of the world.
"There’s a reason why he hasn’t been in prior adaptations, because in some ways he’s sort of an anti-dramatic character," Rings of Power showrunner JD Payne told Vanity Fair.
"He’s not a character who has a particularly strong agenda. He observes drama, but largely doesn’t participate in it. In The Fellowship of the Ring, the characters kind of just go there and hang out for a while, and Tom drops some knowledge on them."
Related: Lord of the Rings cast pay tribute to co-star Bernard Hill following his death
Co-showrunner Patrick McKay also spoke to the outlet about the casting, sharing: "He has no clear dramatic function that would justify his inclusion in a really great movie adaptation. He’s whimsical and magical, and almost verging on silly.
"But also has the wisdom of the ages and the music of the spheres and deep emotional wells of ancient history and myth, and his conception and function are tied to Norse myths and have deep roots in European fairy tale."
The showrunner continued: "So weirdly, he’s kind of the most Lord of the Rings thing in Lord of the Rings, and also the first thing you would cut if you were adapting it as a film. But we have the advantage of a television show, and hence we are going to find a way to tap into that."
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power streams on Prime Video.
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