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Rings Of Power Star Hopeful For More Representation In Season 2

Ismael Cruz Córdova, who plays Elf archer Arondir in The Rings of Power, hopes the show will continue positive, diverse representation in season 2.

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The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star Ismael Cruz Córdova hopes that positive representation and diverse casting will increase in season 2 of the fantasy show. Based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, The Rings of Power delves into the Second Age of the fantasy world, providing viewers a look into the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The series is well-known for its diverse casting, with people of color in prominent roles, such as Córdova’s role as the Elf archer Arondir. While the casting choices have been attacked through racist responses online, fans of the series have praised it for its presentation of positive representation.

In an interview with Variety, Córdova says he hopes to see even more representation in The Rings of Power season 2. He discussed how important it was to have more diverse casting in the series, indicating it would be a mistake for diverse casting choices to stop at season 1. Check out what Córdova had to say below:

I think this is the beginning. I think we would be remiss to not do that – to stop there.
There’s so much love and people cosplaying as Arondir, sending love, making fan art and saying, ‘We’re here for you. We see the negativity, but we’re gonna flood your inbox with positivity.’ This has changed history, and there is a big movement behind this.

How Rings Of Power & Other Shows Are Breaking Barriers For Diversity In Fantasy

The heartwarming support Córdova has received for his portrayal of Arondir illustrates his point about the importance of diverse casting and positive representation in shows. The Rings of Power, however, is not the only fantasy series that has helped break down barriers for positive representation in the genre. The Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon featured actor Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, a well-respected sailor of House Velaryon and the first major Black character in the world of Westeros. Amazon’s adaptation of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time also opened the door for diversity in fantasy, making the character Perrin Aybara Black (Perrin is white in Jordan’s original novel series).

While shows like The Rings of PowerHouse of the Dragon, and The Wheel of Time offer more opportunities for diversity in fantasy, negative responses have been lauded at all three shows because of their choice to include diverse casting. When The Rings of Power first aired, Amazon initially held reviews due to racist backlash to the series online. However, this didn’t stop racist critics from lauding hate toward the show. Eventually, prominent figures in the entertainment industry like Neil Gaiman and Whoopi Goldberg spoke out against the backlash, standing in solidarity with Rings of Power cast and crew members against racist responses to the series.

Despite the unfortunate inevitable racism that will be lauded at The Rings of Power should it continue its track of positive representation in season 2, Córdova’s comments underscore just how essential it is for diverse casting to continue to be upheld. His role as Arondir has garnered plenty of positivity, something that can be replicated in season 2 with new characters who reflect diverse casting choices. These diverse casting choices can make Middle-earth feel more realistic, as well as help to bolster The Rings of Power‘s story, paving the way for more fantasy franchises to follow in their footsteps.

Source: Variety

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