Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
Pioneer Men's Slim Fit Cardigan Sweater Buy Now
CRZ Yoga Pima Cotton Cropped Tank Buy Now
Butterfly Fashion Sunglasses Buy Now
Casio MDV106 Diver's Watch Buy Now
Boho Oval Crystal Opals Statement Bib Necklace Earrings Buy Now
Sweatpants with Zipper Pockets Buy Now
DEARMAY Gold Bracelets Set Buy Now
Womens V Neck Tshirt Summer Floral Tops Buy Now
Beard Trimming Catcher Bib Buy Now
Hanes Pocket Undershirt 6-Pack Buy Now
Essentials Men's Slim Jeans Buy Now
FTL Men's Eversoft Cotton Stay Tucked Crew Buy Now
Avenue Man Volume Lift Mousse Buy Now
GoPro HERO13 Black: 5.3K Action Camera Buy Now
Nike Men's Club Hoodieor Nike Club Hoodieor Nike Full-Zip Hoodie Buy Now
Winter Dress Tunic Tops Buy Now
Men's V-Neck Sweater Buy Now
5-Pack Dry Fit T-Shirts Buy Now
Mommy & Me Pajamas Buy Now
Touchstone Hollywood Glamour crystals jewelry Buy Now
Pioneer Men's Slim Fit Cardigan Sweater Buy Now
CRZ Yoga Pima Cotton Cropped Tank Buy Now
Butterfly Fashion Sunglasses Buy Now
Casio MDV106 Diver's Watch Buy Now
Boho Oval Crystal Opals Statement Bib Necklace Earrings Buy Now
Sweatpants with Zipper Pockets Buy Now
DEARMAY Gold Bracelets Set Buy Now
Womens V Neck Tshirt Summer Floral Tops Buy Now
Beard Trimming Catcher Bib Buy Now
Hanes Pocket Undershirt 6-Pack Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
‘LOTR: The Rings of Power’ interview: Charlie Vickers, Charles Edwards and creator JD Payne on the return of Sauron

‘LOTR: The Rings of Power’ interview: Charlie Vickers, Charles Edwards and creator JD Payne on the return of Sauron

The Hindu
Thursday, August 29, 2024 7:25 AM GMT

The sophomore season of ‘The Rings of Power’ brings on Sauron — not the skull-helmeted demi-god of the film trilogy, but a complex schemer and manipulator

What would J R R Tolkien have made of modern Singapore? The island city-state, with its feats of urban greenification, would have certainly struck the dreamer of Middle-earth. He would have also paused, one imagines, below those tall, scraggly ‘supertrees’ that loom in the bayfront area — but do not of course walk, unlike the Ents of Tolkien’s imaginings. Such thoughts flickered through my mind on a recent trip to the garden city, while covering the premiere of the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, streaming episodically on Prime Video from August 29.

Between frequent detours to Chinatown and other food-and-culture hubs across the city, we catch up with the show’s cast and crew. The first season, released in 2022 and culled from Tolkien’s appendices in his epic novel, confidently stacked up multiple dramatic pieces. But now the Jenga tower sways precariously, and all eyes are on Sauron (Charlie Vickers). Initially introduced as a castaway named Halbrand, the supposed king of the Southlands, his revelation as the uber-villain of epic high fantasy left observers reeling. It lurches the show into a darker, twistier terrain.

“In the new season, we see Sauron going to Eregion to meet Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards), who is the Leonardo da Vinci of the elves,” says showrunner JD Payne, who has created the series with Patrick McKay.

“We get to watch him seduce, manipulate and ultimately gaslight Celebrimbor. That process of driving someone to insanity in order to get them to do what you want…that’s where a good thriller really lives.”

There were hints, in the first season, of a complex dynamic brewing between Sauron and the elven-smith Celebrimbor. It’s a relationship built on flattery, egoism, and toxic co-dependency. As with Halbrand, the guise he donned to manipulate the elven warrior Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), the dark lord assumes a new form before Celebrimbor; that of Annatar (‘The Lord of the Gifts’), an angelic emissary, or so he says, of the divine Valar. He’s the Steve Jobs of the Second Age, stopping at nothing before the ultimate ring — the One Ring — is forged.

Payne expands on rooting the new season in character psychology. “We have all known, whether in romantic relationships or friendships or work relationships, someone who has that tendency where they can use you without any remorse,” he says. “As we watch Sauron pick apart Celebrimbor’s sanity, it’s a harrowing thing to experience.”

None of which, of course, has rubbed off on the actors playing these two characters. Off-screen, Vickers and Edward share an easy bonhomie, going off on tangents and even completing each other’s sentences. Despite their age difference — Charlie is 31, Charles is 54 — they sound like old chums. “From the beginning, there was a genuine understanding between us,” says Charlie. “We have been doing this for five years now,” adds Charles. “Our scenes in the new season are restricted to one set. We both approach our scenes in a low-key way… not low-key as in lazy, we are both quite detailed and perfectionist in our ways. But there’s a real ease that we share.”

Read full story on The Hindu
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
12 passengers injured as omnibus overturns near Madurantakam

Twelve passengers injured in omnibus accident near Madurantakam junction, prompting quick evacuation and traffic disruption.

Be part of IndiaAI mission, Minister tells students of KMES, Hyderabad 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urges students to embrace technology, focus on goals, and be part of India's AI mission.

Madras HC refuses to quash prosecution initiated by ECI against K.C. Veeramani for filing false affidavit

Madras High Court refuses to quash criminal prosecution against former AIADMK Minister for false election affidavit.

BMTC conductor crashes e-bus into makeshift hotel in Peenya, killing 25-year-old woman, injuring four

A Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) electric bus conductor attempting to move a parked bus at the Peenya Bus Stand on Friday morning crashed into a roadside makeshift hotel, killing a 25-year-old woman and injuring four other

Baby hits out at Rahul Gandhi for equating CPI(M) with RSS

CPI(M) leader criticizes Rahul Gandhi for equating CPI(M) and RSS, highlighting ideological differences and historical context.

Inside hostels from Mumbai to Chennai: How biometric surveillance, curfews target female students Premium

Mumbai girls' hostel uses biometric systems, real-time alerts, and strict rules, contrasting with lax policies in boys' hostels.

Six Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur

Six Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounter, part of ongoing anti-Maoist operations, with 221 total Maoist casualties this year.

Ejipura flyover deadline extended to March 2026; BBMP Chief directs officials to ensure timely completion of project

Ejipura flyover completion deadline extended to March 2026, with BBMP Chief directing officials to ensure timely progress.

9 sentenced to life in prison in Bengal for digital arrest scam

West Bengal court convicts nine in digital arrest scam, first such convictions in India, sentenced to life imprisonment.

Maharashtra clears proposal to rename Islampur as Ishwarpur

Maharashtra government renames Islampur to Ishwarpur, part of ongoing state-wide renaming initiative, approved by Cabinet and pending Union approval.

Prevent human loss during rains and floods, DGP tells APSDRF personnel

DGP Gupta directs APSDRF to prevent human loss during rains and floods, commends team for rescue operations.

Want to see ‘Admissions Closed’ board outside government schools, says HRD Minister Lokesh

Want to see ‘Admissions Closed’ board outside government schools, says HRD Minister Lokesh

Coconut farmers seek pathway to transport their produce in Ramanathapuram district

Ramanathapuram District Coconut Growers seek intervention to prevent closure of vital pathway by INS Parundhu, facing hardships.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Kindergarten students oriented on safety on board train by Railway Police

Kindergarten students oriented on safety on board train by Railway Police

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu to visit Tirupati on July 19

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's visit to Tirupati focuses on sanitation, temple visit, and public interaction.

30th graduation day held at Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College

Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College's 30th graduation day in Madurai celebrated academic achievements and advised graduates on future success.

Flooded flyovers, choked roads: Traffic police change gears on monsoon strategy

rainfall in hyderabad, traffic stalled

Maharashtra excise department lapses caused revenue loss of several crore rupees: CAG

CAG report exposes Maharashtra State excise department's operational lapses leading to significant revenue shortfalls and losses.

From unniyappam to premium Cafe Kudumbashree, a story of culinary success

Shareefa Kalathingal's journey from selling 10 packets of unniyappam to owning Cafe Kudumbashree is a tale of resilience and success.

CPI MP seeks NIA probe into Dharmasthala ‘crimes’

Rajya Sabha member urges NIA probe into alleged crimes targeting women in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, citing systematic violence and administrative silence.

Blame game between HYDRAA, residents as inundation continues

Blame game between HYDRAA, residents as inundation continues

Auroville researchers aim to ignite global interest in traditional mathematics education at Seoul meet

Auroville research team presents Indian mathematics pedagogy findings at international conference, aiming to revolutionize global math education.

Suspended IFoS officer offers apology; Minister orders his suspension to be revoked

Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer R. Gokul, who was suspended by the State government in connection with a case filed in the Supreme Court seeking permission to denotify 443 acres of HMT forest land, besides writing a letter to the CBI, has reportedly admitted to his mistake and submitted an unconditional apology.

Indian inequality and the World Bank’s claims Premium

Even if the precision of the World Bank’s inequality estimates is discounted, a significant improvement in India’s international ranking is a fact

Chaitanya Baghel actively linked to proceeds of crime in liquor case: ED tells court

ED alleges Chaitanya Baghel involved in handling over ₹1,000 crore in proceeds of crime, denies allegations.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us