‘This criticism is unacceptable to me’: Morvid Clarke and Charlie Vickers in ‘Rings of Power’ and fans’ fears from a variety of actors

How was it with you, Charlie? So much secrecy was kept during production that some of the actors didn’t even know what kind of role they were auditioning for until the end of the audition.

Charlie Vickers: I found out relatively late, too. I think I went through seven or eight rounds of casting and each time I learned a little bit more about my role and figured it out. He is a human being, and he is not based on an already known character. But I didn’t really understand how everything would come together in the end until I got to New Zealand to prepare for filming.

On set in New Zealand you must have felt as if you had entered a completely different world…

Charlie Vickers: This is correct. I will be forever grateful for this amazing experience we all had in New Zealand. The groups, the scenery, the crew who welcomed us with open arms – it was incredible.

Morvid Clark: I had a feeling as if I only felt like once in my life: when I traveled to New York with a school class. This impression that everything is bigger and more beautiful than I’ve seen before. This is exactly what it was like in New Zealand.

What does it do to you when you realize that you are part of the most expensive and detailed series ever filmed? Or can you just fade it when the director calls “work”?

Charlie Vickers: Of course you can see how much work has been done on everything, detailed sets and costumes – all professions that are included. But when the camera rotates, it no longer matters.

Tolkien fans can be critical if they don’t like something. How do you deal with the criticism that was already loud in the first trailers?

Morvid Clark: I understand that fans are excited about something and don’t want anything to happen that feels wrong to them. And that’s totally fine for me too. They can express their criticism, but I hope they will continue to treat the series with the necessary frankness. And then there are the criticisms – by a few fans I absolutely can’t accept, who complain loudly about strong female roles and a very diverse cast. I ignore it because this criticism is not acceptable and it’s not something I even want to discuss.

Charlie Vickers: I totally agree with Morfydd. Every actor and actress on this show got his or her role because he or she is absolutely perfect for the role. They are great actors and great people.

Morvid Clark: It sounds like a romantic cliché, but during filming we really became one big family.

(Also read: These are the 25 best fantasy series according to critics)

Do you already have all the partner tattoos like your “Lord of the Rings” movie companions?

Morvid Clark (Laugh)kisa: We haven’t been able to agree on a motive yet.