Benjamin Walker Talks on ‘Rings of Power’

Let’s Toss The Rings

Now, in the game of “Middle-Earth politics”, you have Sauron, the reigning Superintendent of Shadows. But, don’t disregard his High King counterpart from the other side, who will throw fists and spells for the spirit of Middle-earth. The bloke in question is Gil-galad, who stars in The Rings of Power, attempting to avert disaster for yet another season. Shout out to Benjamin Walker who breathes life into this legendary leader on Prime Video’s screen. We sat down for a chat with Walker; chatted about his varied career, his role as one of Tolkien’s most regarded leaders, plus the High King’s reaction as war looms and peace fades.

Walker’s World of Work

First things first, let’s tackle your career before we wade into The Rings of Power season two. You’ve held roles across a sweeping spectrum of genres, even shared the stage with some famed faces. Walker takes it all with humility. “You could chalk it up to dumb luck, or picky choices. I crave knowledge from different directors, learning their ways. Is this job going to make me better? That’s my compass.”

Walker’s thirst for variety extends to Ivo van Hove’s avant-garde theater production in the West End. A play becomes a film, the audience scrambles to keep up, it’s all part of the thrill.

A Vampire Hunter to The High King, Without Skipped Beats

Your first major role apparently hails from Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. From there, you’ve sauntered down a circuitous career path; a Supreme Court movie here, a Ron Howard shipwreck film there, and now, voila, you’re a famous Elf King. “Now this is a different beast,” Walker admits. “The collaboration in The Rings of Power is monumental due to its grand scale. But, it’s still a craft honed from intimate moments, like that ‘guerrilla’ independent college film you did, except you’re an emaciated actor stuck in a dinghy.”

The Pompous elves

The elves of Middle-earth move with an air of arrogance, including Gil-galad. The thin line walking between ‘likable’ and ‘arrogant’ was a feat. “It’s about experience, and certainly in season two, you’ll witness some unraveling. The peace time chauffeur will face, for the first time, a shift into turbulence.”

As Walker reveals, politics, relationships, and mentoring tests are all part of the Elven world. “With Elrond, the challenge lies in allowing mistakes. Like a parent eventually has to let their child sort out their slip-ups, Gil-galad follows suit, albeit at a great cost.”

Elf Leaders & Friction

Gil-galad isn’t the only elf keeping Middle-earth ticking over. Galadriel, Celebrimbor, Cirdan – they all answer to the High King. Exploring these relationships gives us a deeper understanding of his character. Walker takes issue with their relationship, describing it as a recipe for disaster: “Galadriel and I, we’re essentially equals on paper. She pushes, I pull. It’s a necessary balancing act.”

The Forward-Thinking elves

Staying true to his Elven wisdom, Gil-galad keeps his gaze on the present, rather than fretting over the known fate. “You must have hope,” Walker explains.

Two seasons in, Walker confesses being intrigued by his loss of composure. “How does an elf lose their cool when confronted with resurfacing evil? That’s the crux.”

The Next Chapter

What can we expect this season? A whole lot of mess, according to Walker. “For those in the know, the books holler a warning about the upcoming chaos. Music also comes into play. It’s this deep-rooted connection the elves have with tunes. We’re embracing that, translating it onto the screen with a dynamic musical team.”

So, dear fans, tune in. Witness the grandeur of Middle-earth. The High King’s journey awaits in season two of The Rings of Power on Prime Video.