Early coverage from Empire explored the lore of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, focusing on the Harfoots, who are precursors to the hobbits and have not yet found their home in the Shire. In the TV adaptation, the Harfoots are portrayed by a diverse cast, bringing fresh faces into this beloved fantasy world.
One Harfoot character, Zadok Burroughs, appears in the series and is brought to life by Lenny Henry. The narrative follows a roving group of halflings who move between locations, facing challenges and unexpected chaos along their journey. This nomadic streak adds a sense of movement and discovery to the tale, distinguishing the Harfoots from the more settled communities fans already know.
Henry spoke about the experience of portraying a character of color within a high fantasy setting. He emphasized that the casting choice allows younger audiences to see a broader spectrum represented in a genre that has historically lacked such visibility. The actor described the Harfoots’ voyage as an imprint of sunshine breaking through a long winter, signaling that this chapter could redefine how familiar fantasy narratives look and feel on screen.
Creators of the show also weighed in on their approach to the adaptation, clarifying that they do not intend to mirror other large-scale fantasy series or the earlier film trilogies word for word. The team seeks to honor the source material while inviting new interpretations that stay faithful to Tolkien’s spirit. The showrunner highlighted a guiding principle: revisit the core texts and consider how Tolkien would respond to modern storytelling sensibilities while preserving the sense of wonder the author sparked in readers and moviegoers alike.
As anticipation builds, the premiere date is set for early September, signaling a new phase in the interconnected universe of Middle-earth and inviting fans to experience a fresh cinematic and television experience. The rollout aims to balance reverence for established lore with bold creative decisions that invite a broader audience to engage with this timeless world.