It’s Bittersweet To Hear Rings Of Power Moved Out Of New Zealand For Season 2, But Cynthia Addai-Robinson Tells Us Why It’s Actually An Upgrade

It's Bittersweet To Hear Rings Of Power Moved Out Of New Zealand For Season 2, But Cynthia Addai-Robinson Tells Us Why It's Actually An Upgrade

As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in Middle-earth, I must admit that my initial reaction to the move of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” from New Zealand to the UK was one of trepidation. After all, the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand have been synonymous with the fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien for decades. However, after hearing Cynthia Addai-Robinson‘s insightful comments on the move to Tenerife, I find myself pleasantly surprised.


Because Peter Jackson took on the director role for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and chose to film them in his home country, New Zealand, the two have become indelibly linked. However, when the first season of Rings of Power was released, Middle-earth shifted to the UK for Season 2 of the Lord of the Rings series. Although it’s a tad melancholic that the filming is no longer happening in New Zealand this time, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, who plays Tar-Míriel, explained why this change was actually beneficial for her scenes.

During a chat with Cynthia Addai-Robinson over the phone, we discussed her methods in portraying the blind queen of Númenór and her enthusiasm regarding Charlie Vickers’ “charming Sauron.” I also inquired about her relocation from New Zealand for this season. In her own words: (Here is where you would insert her quote)

In essence, certain sets were either transported or reconstructed to maintain the continuity of Numenor as you recognize it, particularly focusing on the interiors. For our portion of the story this season, we incorporated some on-location filming in Tenerife from the Canary Islands. I’m thrilled about this because Numenor is an island nation, and it’s fitting that we should show coastal landscapes, almost resembling the Mediterranean.

I find Númenór eerily reminiscent of a Mediterranean coastal town, while Tenerife, nestled by the Atlantic, mirrors the breathtaking beauty that made our filming experience all the more immersive in J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision for this enchanting land. As I delve deeper into our production:

Despite the charm some UK beaches hold in winter, we’ve got an exceptional chance to shoot footage in Tenerife instead. Standing on a rugged coastline, gazing out over the vast ocean, is quite challenging to replicate in terms of set design and the unique emotion it evokes when you feel the ocean mist. It’s more about connecting with nature rather than extensive acting – it’s like tapping into something greater, Mother Nature herself.

Upon learning that “Rings of Power” was shifting to the United Kingdom, there was a sense of perceived diminishment compared to where all other “Lord of the Rings” films were shot. Elijah Wood even expressed some disapproval about this change. However, Addai-Robinson’s remarks suggest that the relocation enabled certain aspects to improve in a favorable manner. Given the UK’s notoriously gloomy beaches, the production team opted for Tenerife instead, which helped the actress feel more immersed in the world of Númenór. She even went as far as saying:

I always enjoy taking advantage of real-life situations and making use of them. That’s why I believe the Númenór scenes we filmed in Tenerife are absolutely stunning. Moreover, there’s a pivotal moment that takes place there, which has been hinted at in some trailers and clips. I can’t wait for viewers to witness our arrival on that rocky coastline.

It is understood that Tar-Míriel’s homecoming to Númenór will be met with significant disapproval from her people due to her choice to engage in battle alongside Galadriel. For quite some time, a human realm had neither offered shelter nor heeded the counsel of an elf. When Tar-Míriel placed trust in Galadriel during the Southlands conflict, it resulted in heavy casualties, and as a consequence, her people are unlikely to have faith in her upon her return.

As a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, I am absolutely thrilled to share my excitement about the upcoming Amazon Prime series, “The Rings of Power.” Having grown up immersed in the magical world of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men, I eagerly await the opportunity to delve back into this rich tapestry of mythology. The trailer alone has piqued my curiosity and left me yearning for more.

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2024-08-18 01:37