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The expensive series, subtitled "The Rings of
Power," takes place 4,000 years before the events in the
blockbuster movie adaptations of writer J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved
books. The time period is known as the Second Age.
Peter Jackson's movies were set in the Third Age, which was
"post-apocalyptic, all of these kingdoms have fallen," Patrick
McKay, co-creator of the new series, told fans in a packed
convention hall.
"Rings of Power" begins with Middle-earth at a time of peace,
"vibrant and filled with light," and showcases the gleaming
island kingdom of Numenor, McKay said. The harfoots,
predecessors of hobbits, are nomads and "far from the Shire," he
said.
"It's meeting every single people of Middle-earth in a different
place," McKay said.
Co-creator J.D. Payne said the tranquility at the start of the
story soon becomes threatened.
"Just imagine your home, your family, your job, your cosplay
costume, the things that matter most to you," Payne said. "Then
suddenly imagine all that's about to be taken away. How far
would you go into the darkness to protect them? That's the story
we're telling."
McKay and Payne appeared with several members of a large
ensemble cast including Morfydd Clark, who plays the young elven
warrior Galadriel, and Robert Aramayo, who portrays the half-elven
Elrond.
Amazon released a three-minute trailer to drum up excitement for
the series ahead of its Sept. 2 debut on its Prime Video
streaming service. The company plans to let the story unfold in
50 hours over five seasons.
The online retailer spent about $465 million producing the
show's first installment, which was filmed in New Zealand,
making it among the most expensive TV shows ever produced.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
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