October 4, 2024 • 29 mins
Return once again to the enchanting world of Middle Earth as we explore the creative brilliance behind Prime Video's "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." Join me, Kyle McMahon, as I engage in a fascinating discussion with the talented director Charlotte Brandstrom and cinematographer Alex Dissanoff, who reveal the magic and dedication behind bringing Tolkien's Second Age to life. You'll gain exclusive insights into how their love for Tolkien's universe and real-world inspirations, such as wildfires, shaped the unique aesthetic and deepened characters like Sauron. With 40 million viewers captivated in just 11 days, you'll hear firsthand how this global phenomenon came to be and why it stands apart from its cinematic predecessors.But the journey doesn't stop there.
Actors Markella Kavenagh, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker and Charlie Vickers share their heartfelt experiences of responsibility and collaboration in portraying such a beloved world. Listen as they discuss the universal and personal themes that resonate through the series, offering both profound escapism and relatability to fans worldwide. Charlie Vickers provides an intriguing peek into his portrayal of Sauron, where he masterfully balances divine and human elements, reflecting on the complexity and joy of his role. This episode is a celebration of the hard work and ingenuity that have brought Tolkien's cherished universe to thrilling new heights in Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming: https://www.deathandgrief.show/Chapter-One-The-Diagnosis-AKA-WTF/
---------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at: https://podcast.popcultureweekly.com
Watch celebrity interviews at: https://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon/videos
or Kyle McMahon YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/officialkylemcmahon
Read the latest at http://www.PopCultureWeekly.com
Follow Kyle on:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@popcultureweekly
Website: http://www.kylemcmahon.me
Actors Markella Kavenagh, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker and Charlie Vickers share their heartfelt experiences of responsibility and collaboration in portraying such a beloved world. Listen as they discuss the universal and personal themes that resonate through the series, offering both profound escapism and relatability to fans worldwide. Charlie Vickers provides an intriguing peek into his portrayal of Sauron, where he masterfully balances divine and human elements, reflecting on the complexity and joy of his role. This episode is a celebration of the hard work and ingenuity that have brought Tolkien's cherished universe to thrilling new heights in Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming: https://www.deathandgrief.show/Chapter-One-The-Diagnosis-AKA-WTF/
---------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at: https://podcast.popcultureweekly.com
Watch celebrity interviews at: https://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon/videos
or Kyle McMahon YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/officialkylemcmahon
Read the latest at http://www.PopCultureWeekly.com
Follow Kyle on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kmacmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@popcultureweekly
Website: http://www.kylemcmahon.me
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In this episode of pop Culture Weekly, I'm returning to
Middle Earth with the cast of Prime Videos, Lord of
the Rings, The Rings of Power. Let's go.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from My
Heart Radio, your pop culture news, views, reviews and celebrity
interviews on all the movies, TV, music and pop culture
u CRABE Weekly. Here's Kyle McMahon.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Nett Nan Na Nett, what's up? And welcome the pop
Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon. I of course am Kyle McMahon,
and I am here for you to talk about pop
culture and you know, interview our favorite actors and performers
(00:49):
and entertainers and the people that create and all of
that stuff. And I love what I do and it's
all because of you. Today, I'm returning to Middle Earth
once again to speak with Prime Videos the Lord of
the Rings The Rings of Power cast once again. We
just had him on a few episodes ago, but there's
(01:11):
a lot that has gone on in Middle Earth since then.
So I am gonna be talking to Charlotte Branstrom, who
is the director, and Alex Disenoff, who is the cinematographer,
and then of course I chalk talk. I talk with
I talk with Charlie Vickers once again, Soren himself, Markella Cavanall, Eleanor,
(01:35):
Brandy Foot, and Charlie Vickers, who plays Soren, is back,
as well as Benjamin Walker and Robert Ramaiyo who plays Elron.
Benjamin Walker of course plays Hi King Gilgilad Cynthia A.
Day Robinson who plays Queen Regent Muriel, and mark Kella
(01:56):
Kavanaugh returns who plays Nori Randy Foot. So let's just
get right into it. We have so much to cover
in Middle Earth. We'll start off with director Extraordinariy Charlotte
Branstrom along with cinematographer Alex Desino. Thank you both so
much for speaking with me, and congratulations on the success
(02:19):
of Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power. I've
been a fan since since day one. It's such an
incredible epic series, and I wonder, you know, as these
numbers have come out, forty million people have watched since,
you know, in the last eleven days. How does that feel,
as creators, for you to know something you've put your
(02:41):
you know, heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into is
resonating around the world.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I mean, of course, it feels I mean makes you
happy and satisfied and everything, but it also feels like
our work, my work is done somehow you have let
it out, you let it go. So so when you
hear this, it's extremely I mean, I'm satisfying, and it
makes you actually really please and happy that that many
(03:08):
people can see you work, but there's not much you
can do about it.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
That's true. How about for you, Alex?
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Yeah, I mean I think it's it is it's obviously
really a unique experience to have you know, your work
seene by so many people. But again, it is like
you can't control it once it's out of your hands,
and so it's just a kind of icing on the cake.
I guess even if one person saw it liked it,
we still did it and and uh, and we're proud
(03:36):
of what we did. So I think that's it's just
again it's it's kind of a nice little icing on
the cake.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Yeah, yeah, I love that chilette. You know, were you
and actually this is for both of you, But were
you fans of the work before? And you know, the
films are obviously as a film buff iconic, uh, And
if you were fans of you know, the books and
and the films. Do you feel a sense of responsibility
(04:03):
or nervousness or are you able to be like I'm
going to do? You know my spin on this.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Well, I didn't really do to buy spin because obviously
our stories are the second Age and Peter Jackson's films
are the third Age, so it's completely different time. So
it could also be different since it's a real prequel.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
I am a big fan of Peter Jackson. I was
a big fan of the features. We've seen them many
times and I always refer to them because I love them.
And I had read the books, that had read the
books when I was fifteen. My parents are giving them
to me, so I was. I mean, I knew of
them and I very very much enjoy reading. I only
read the book once, the books once, but I've seen
(04:47):
Peter jackson films probably many times.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
But thereafter when.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
We got these scripts, it's totally different because it is
obviously a second age. And also we made like Soren
a real character that he was never that in pet
Jackson's film, so he was We wanted to make something different,
and I feel like what the shortness wanted is to
make him a real character to understand where people were
(05:12):
coming from to understand their backgrounds, even though our troll
has a background here, right, And I believe in I
think serious today is very much about character, So I
think it was very exciting that way to actually give
life to them. But early one thousands of years before,
so we had like a lot of freedom to do
(05:34):
something different, and Alix and I actually did when we
came in. We did the first season together as well,
and we created that look for More or When with
the ashes and the orange lights, and that was something
completely different that we had freehands to do.
Speaker 5 (05:51):
You were inspired by the fires.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Right, Yeah, by real wildfires that I had seen in
my own life and kind of that, you know, using
real Earth to inspire Middle Earth. And you know, just
from my own perspective, you know, I was I was
in high school when the movies came out, and they
were really a huge influence on me. I remember the
moment sitting in theaters during the Return of the King
(06:15):
and saying, yeah, I think this is what I want
to do. I want to make movies and kind of
come full circle, get the call to kind of help
bring Little Earth to life again was a total dream
come true for me.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
So I love that so much. I got to say,
you know, I was, as a huge fan of the
books and the films, I was nervous when I went
to New York for the screener of the first couple
of episodes, and I'm like, oh my gosh, and it's
just you guys, it's such an incredible job that, you know,
I think for a lot of fans there was a
bit of nervousness like how is this material, you know,
(06:49):
going to be treated, And there's so much that is
uncharted and hasn't been shown and or even told, And
it's just such an incredible job that you guys have done.
And as a super fan, you know, I can't thank
you enough for that. So it's just it's, you know,
it's such another rewarding entry into this world that that
(07:11):
you guys have created.
Speaker 5 (07:13):
Thank you, thank you, so.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Thank you, and I appreciate both of you. Congratulations on
the success. I can't wait to talk to you for
season three of The Lord of the Rings The Rings
of Power. Thank you, thank you, appreciate it. Charlotte Branstrom
and Alex this enough. I love to hear about, you know,
the behind the scenes creators, which obviously these series and
(07:36):
movies and entertainment that we love wouldn't exist without them.
I love to hear, you know, kind of their what
they do and their take on things. So it's awesome
to hear from them. Next up, we're going to talk
with Benjamin Walker and Robert Arameo. As I mentioned earlier,
(07:57):
Robert plays Elrond, which he has some big elf shoes
to fill, and Benjamin Walker plays high King Gilgelod. So
great pair to talk to. Let's get right into them.
Benjamin Walker and Robert rame thank you both so much
for joining me once again. I really appreciate it. Nice
(08:17):
to see it, man, nice to see you. So, first
of all, congratulations forty million people. I have watched over,
you know, the first eleven days, which is just absolutely astonishing.
Is that, like it's a number I can't fathom. Is
that something that like even has registered with you. Yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:37):
I don't really think about it. I don't think it
best not to think about it. I'm excited that people
are excited about it. Yeah, you know, it does feel
I have a similar sensation ast when we've done Paul
as at Comic Con a couple of times that it's
just kind of humbling to be among peers and people
(08:59):
that you know love what you love.
Speaker 7 (09:00):
It's like when you're in high school and you're like,
oh my god, you love smashing pumpkins too.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Yeah, you know, you're like finding a kindred spirit.
Speaker 7 (09:09):
So it's it's nice to think that there's forty million
people that love something that you love.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
I love that and for you, but you know, for
both of you, you're such a theme for me in
in Rings of Power is journey and whether that's personal
journeys or literal journeys, how has your journey as actors
(09:36):
led you to where you are in a place to
be able to approach these roles that are you know, beloved. Well,
that's interesting. I think.
Speaker 7 (09:52):
I think it's dangerous to revere something in a way
that you were you forget to do the basics of.
Speaker 8 (10:02):
The job.
Speaker 7 (10:05):
That in some ways, the level of reverence for something
can sidetrack you as opposed to encourage you to reinvest
in the one to oh one of how do we
tell the story? You know, you step onto an incredible
set with wind cannons and fire bombs and mud and
(10:29):
hundreds of extras and stunt people, and you can get
into trouble if you allow that to not be a tool,
you allow that to be a distraction from Yes, but
in this moment, what are we trying to accomplish? What
does the lure dictate, and just down to the minutia
(10:51):
of in this scene with l Ron, what is the
story we want to tell and how do we milk
the most Tolkienian magic out of it that we can. So,
if anything, you have to embrace the humbling nature of
it and just return to basics. Be aware that it
is beloved and you are a fan. But if the fans,
(11:14):
your fandom, supersedes your ability to do the job, you're
in trouble. It's like when you meet someone you've idalized
for so long and then you can't speak. We don't
want to find ourselves in that position, as opposed to
approaching it like something we've We've done our background, we've
done our preparation, We trust our support. The team we
(11:37):
have assembled on set is the best on the planet.
Now let's do the job.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
I love that it's a very mindful approach, very very mindful,
very demure, That's what I say. And how about for you.
Speaker 8 (11:52):
Robert, Yeah, I was just thinking about just to pick
up off what Ben said that it's like I remember,
like in the Fast season and there was a lot
of scenes between me and Ben where like, you know,
just we'd turn up usually in that round podium thing
then have these scenes, you know. And one of one
of the highlights for me, weirdly was that in episode
(12:17):
five or something like that, we have one scene together
me and Ben which was like what it used to
be in the Fair season, which was just me and
Ben having a conversation about what we were going to do.
And it's moments like that that I really enjoy because
me and Ben, for example, I think, you know, we've
got a very similar vocabulary on the work. And if
(12:37):
you've got a teammate, if you've got somebody who you
feel like you really on a team with and you're
both working together just to tell this story and to
make it as clear as possible, then if that's honored,
then you can have loads of fun off of that,
and it opens the doortop all these different conversations and
creative conversations. But you know, so you feel thankful in
(12:59):
that moment for having somebody you feel like you're a
team met with, but it extends beyond act just as well.
To everyone you work it on the show because it's
just so there's just so many people you're welcome, you know,
and they're also passionate of you have to double down
in the fundamentals and return to the source material continuously.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
But that's also one of the joys of the job.
Is one aspect is we get paid to read Tolkien
for a living.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
And it has worked. It all comes in concert beautifully,
and as a as a fan of the work, the
series is just an excellent new exciting chapter if you will,
for us. So thank you for that. Thank you both
for speaking with me again. I can't wait for everybody
(13:48):
to see the last couple episodes of season two of
Rings of Power only on Prime Thank you, thank you,
Thank you again soon. Benjamin Walker and Robert Romeo love
to hear. You know. I'm a huge Lord of the
Rings fan and I'm a huge Rings of Power fan.
Prime Video has done such an incredible job with this series.
And as a lifelong fan of the movies, you know,
(14:12):
the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson, who's
a genius, and the Hobbit trilogy, you know, I grew
up with these movies. I had to read the books
and schools, which I then read continued to read on
my own prime video. And the creators here have done
such an incredible job with the Lord of the Rings
Rings of Power. I just it brings me right back
(14:34):
and fills out, you know, this universe that I love
so much. So in any event, next Marcellat Cavanaugh returns
once again, and Cynthia a Day Robinson, let's jump right
into it. Here we go. Thank you so much for
joining me. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (14:53):
Thank you so much for having us of.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Course, so uh, first of all, congratulations on the success
the Rings of Power. Over forty million people watched in
the last eleven days, which is insane. When you hear
numbers like that, do you are you just like what
you know? I mean, it's just such a massive, massive number.
Speaker 9 (15:17):
I have like no concept of what.
Speaker 10 (15:19):
Yeah, so I abstract, but yeah, I'm literally like it's
really Yeah, I don't how can I think about it?
Speaker 3 (15:28):
I also think that for me.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
Yeah, I just don't think.
Speaker 10 (15:33):
I just really haven't. It has not registered in that way.
And also when I'm I'm in this room and there's
a few people here, and I forget that, yeah, and.
Speaker 9 (15:43):
You forget that you're on the rings. Yeah, yeah, yeah,
it is, it is. It is a wow, and I
mean it is I think to be part of something
that's global in this day and age. I mean I
always think about the fact that people watch the show
in different languages, in different countries. There's something really universal
in the story. And you know, when we travel the
(16:03):
world and meet fans from all over the world, I
think that's when it really sort of hits home, that
it's like, oh, this has reached beyond, you know, even
sort of the the areas that we spend time. So
it's very cool. We're we're honored.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
I was.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
I'm a huge fan of the films, the books, the
entire world. And I talked to many of you for
season one in New York, and you know, I was
just telling someone that I was really nervous when I
went to the screening of the first few episodes because
I didn't you know, I didn't know what it was
going to be. And I'm like, you know, the books
(16:40):
or the films especially I grew up with, and you know,
they were so close to me and such a huge
part of my journey as a film buff and and
hear what I'm doing today, and and then it was
just absolutely incredible, you know, to watch especially I got
to see it on the big screen and on it
(17:01):
was just I'm like, wow, this is perfect. This fits
in so well with everything. As actors, as creators. Did
you feel any kind of responsibility in any way to
you know? This is the Lord of the Rings, you
know what I mean, It's not like something that nobody's
ever heard of before. It's kind of a clean slate.
(17:23):
This is a massive, massive property.
Speaker 9 (17:26):
I think we feel all the responsibility. I would say
that all of the sort of collective effort that you see.
It's not just the cast that feels responsibility. It's our
showrunners and writers and producers and crew. It's everybody involved
with the same love and the same understanding that this
holds so much importance to so many people, and everybody
(17:49):
goes about it in a very thoughtful, considered way. I mean,
I think if you've spoken to a few of us,
then you would know and you can tell that you know,
we're not just casually throw this thing together. It takes
us a long time to make this. There's a lot
of conversation around it, around it, there's a lot of collaboration,
and we absolutely take that responsibility very seriously.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Yeah, I love that. And for both of your characters
and many characters in the films or in the films
and the books and the series, journey is such a
huge integral part of the story, whether that's a personal
journey or a literal journey. Do you find, you know,
(18:35):
in doing this work that you can kind of relate
to some of these even though there's this fantastical element
at the heart of it, there's very real stories about,
you know, very real feelings that we all have and
experiences that human or otherwise have. Do you put that
(18:57):
into something like the Rings of Power kind of setting aside? Well,
I wasn't, you know, writing a dragon or something, but
I did kind of have this kind of storyline, if
you will, in my own life. Or is that harder
on something like a fantasy.
Speaker 10 (19:14):
I mean, I think in terms of bringing a personal
the personal idea personal sense of journey to fantasy, I
think that it, you know, being in a fantasy series
to me was a real irap note because I'd never
really been as invested in the fantasy genre before, apart
from books. In terms of cinema, it just wasn't something
that I'd gravitated towards. And I think that this was
(19:38):
amazing because fantasy it's the same themes. It's the same
themes of love and loss and community and versity in
all of those things, but it just is in the
in a fantastical context. And so in some ways I
really understand why people and audiences go and really love
seeing these these series and the films and the books,
(20:00):
because it's a way to confront your own whatever you're
going through personally, but at a bit of a distance
with visual effects and music and a different world. It's
not like a street you're recognizing or so it is
kind of a way to really feel and be moved
by these stories but also be really entertained. So in
(20:25):
that sense, I really love that you've brought up journeying
because I think, yes, journey is really important in these series,
in these books, but it's also what people are living
day to day. So it's just taking the day to
day and just heightening it in this magical well not magical,
but this yet these fantasy lands.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
That's amazing. Thank you both so much. I really appreciate it,
and I can't wait for everybody to see the last
few episodes and then we have a wait, but the
last few episodes of The Lord of the Rings Rings
of Power on Prime. Thank you both. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
Markella Kavanaugh and Cynthia Dave Robinson. Love talking to them,
love having them on. And last but not least, soar
On himself, Charlie Vickers. Hey, Charlie, great to speak with
you again.
Speaker 11 (21:16):
You too, Kyle.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Good to see it's been you as well. It's been
a it's been a few weeks since we last talked,
and in the meantime, forty million people have watched in
the first week or so. What is that like for
you when you hear a number like that.
Speaker 11 (21:34):
I mean, it's great, it's cool. I'm very removed from
that world, but it's great to know people are watching
and people are enjoying the show, and because ultimately you
make it for bands of Tolkien and people to enjoy
and take from it what they will. So it's cool
to know that we're sharing it with the world.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Yes, I love that, and as a fan, I love
everything that you, the entire cast and crew are feeding us.
It is very very good. So we and I'm trying
to be again as I always am when I talk
to you, a spoiler free as possible. But there's a
couple of episodes left, and you are for this season,
(22:16):
you are in many ways a god in many ways,
also being humanized in many ways. How was that for
you as an actor to kind of be able to
play a first of all iconic role that but that
has room for both of those sorts of things and
(22:38):
everything in between.
Speaker 11 (22:40):
I think that's part of the real challenge and joy
of doing this character right, because we like the character
has a lot of complexity and levels that are maybe
not evident when you just sort of look at when
you hear the name Suron, because he's been popularized as
the Giant I, and you know he serves the purpose
(23:01):
of evil in this story. But if you go back
through the Silmarillion and all the different writings of Tolkien,
there is so much there about his character and his
appreciation of art and craftsmanship, and his desire for order
and the healing of Middle Earth. And for me, it's
(23:23):
like that's the real challenge and privilege of the character.
It's having everything stem from that and not just being
like I'm evil going around.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
Yeah, yeah, And do you find that, you know, when
you play such a character, as you said, that's that's
you know, known through many generations and many cultures and languages,
that there is any responsibility to the fandom or or
(23:53):
the the man himself, you know, or are you able
to separate that and be like, Okay, I'm not going
to think about any of that. I'm going to be
Charlie putting myself into this character.
Speaker 11 (24:06):
Of course, I understand that there's a huge amount of responsibility,
and we see ourselves, I guess, as custodians of this
world right now, and I don't really think about it.
It's funny, I never really think about it.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
When I'm filming.
Speaker 11 (24:21):
There's this extra level of expectation, but you can't help it.
When you're doing these tools, you're meeting so many people
and so many amazing fans and the community, and you
hear their voices and their critiques and the things they love.
That's one of the most special parts of this job,
(24:44):
and you just want to do it justice. So you
do feel like that, But as far as when I'm
actually on set, you're so far removed from that, and
you're just in the bubble of making what you're making
that I can forget it, which is nice.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
That is nice, And you know, it's interesting that you
bring up I didn't think about it until just now,
but you are out there and eating people unrestrained, and
you know, I'm sure at a much bigger level, I
get you know, weird tweets and hate mail and all
those kinds of things, and I'm sure you get it
at a much higher level. What has been your most
(25:19):
interesting kind of critique or or you know, fan reaction
that you were taken back by or called a security
guard or something.
Speaker 11 (25:31):
Yeah, I one, if I had I on the it
was actually one of a memorable ones sticks out when
I was going I was filming the start of season
two and one of the supporting artists, as I was
walking to the lou said, oh, that's that's not how
Tolkien wrote the ending, was it? And just kind of
(25:51):
smiled at me and then walked away. And I was like,
so that was like that was kind of funny interaction.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
I take it.
Speaker 11 (26:01):
It was very it was very lighthearted, right reference to
the season, the end of season one, But you know,
that's that's one that sticks out to me. But it's
always everyone's always so nice, kind. I mean, it's San Diego.
People were just so loving in the everything they offered
and really appreciative of the hard work that everyone's putting in.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Yeah, and I think that's a testament to you and
everybody's work on the series, because it is just such
a enjoyable journey, both you know, literally and physically for
the viewer and for many of you. So Charlie, thank
you so much once again for speaking with me. I
can't wait for everybody to see the rest of season
(26:47):
two of Rings of Power, and I'll talk to you
for season three only on Prime. I can't say enough
about the Lord of the Rings the Rings of Power.
I was talking to many of you on line, on
Reddit and Instagram about, you know, each episode as it
was debuting, so we could talk together, and it's been
(27:10):
so awesome to hear your thoughts while I share my
thoughts and you know, get different insights from you on
you know what you think of the show. It does
have some aters, but it is a hugely successful show.
I mean, within a week, like forty million people had
watched the first three episodes of Rings of Power. Rings
(27:36):
of Power is also a top five all time season
for Prime Video in its first eleven days, and it's
been number one most watched on the top ten of
Prime Video since season two debuted. Prime Video also hit
huge numbers overall for season one and two, with nearly
(27:58):
one hundred and fifty million people around the world watching
season one and now with the season finale about to air,
fifty five million global viewers for season two in just
a few weeks. It's pretty incredible. It's two hundred million
people watching your series. It does a great job. I
(28:20):
want to know what you think. Hit me up on
social or if you're using the iHeartRadio app to listen,
hit that talkback button and you'll be able to send
me a voicemail, which I just may play right here
on the show. All right, that's it for this week.
We have a lot of cool stuff coming up with
spooky season here. I will talk to you soon, Alivia.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
We are thank you for listening to pop Culture Weekly.
Speaker 12 (28:43):
Here all the latest at popculturewekly dot com.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
I'm a hobbit boy in a hobbit We're I'm a
Hobbit boy. Are you a hobbit girl?
In this episode of pop Culture Weekly, I'm returning to
Middle Earth with the cast of Prime Videos, Lord of
the Rings, The Rings of Power. Let's go.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from My
Heart Radio, your pop culture news, views, reviews and celebrity
interviews on all the movies, TV, music and pop culture
u CRABE Weekly. Here's Kyle McMahon.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Nett Nan Na Nett, what's up? And welcome the pop
Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon. I of course am Kyle McMahon,
and I am here for you to talk about pop
culture and you know, interview our favorite actors and performers
(00:49):
and entertainers and the people that create and all of
that stuff. And I love what I do and it's
all because of you. Today, I'm returning to Middle Earth
once again to speak with Prime Videos the Lord of
the Rings The Rings of Power cast once again. We
just had him on a few episodes ago, but there's
(01:11):
a lot that has gone on in Middle Earth since then.
So I am gonna be talking to Charlotte Branstrom, who
is the director, and Alex Disenoff, who is the cinematographer,
and then of course I chalk talk. I talk with
I talk with Charlie Vickers once again, Soren himself, Markella Cavanall, Eleanor,
(01:35):
Brandy Foot, and Charlie Vickers, who plays Soren, is back,
as well as Benjamin Walker and Robert Ramaiyo who plays Elron.
Benjamin Walker of course plays Hi King Gilgilad Cynthia A.
Day Robinson who plays Queen Regent Muriel, and mark Kella
(01:56):
Kavanaugh returns who plays Nori Randy Foot. So let's just
get right into it. We have so much to cover
in Middle Earth. We'll start off with director Extraordinariy Charlotte
Branstrom along with cinematographer Alex Desino. Thank you both so
much for speaking with me, and congratulations on the success
(02:19):
of Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power. I've
been a fan since since day one. It's such an
incredible epic series, and I wonder, you know, as these
numbers have come out, forty million people have watched since,
you know, in the last eleven days. How does that feel,
as creators, for you to know something you've put your
(02:41):
you know, heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into is
resonating around the world.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I mean, of course, it feels I mean makes you
happy and satisfied and everything, but it also feels like
our work, my work is done somehow you have let
it out, you let it go. So so when you
hear this, it's extremely I mean, I'm satisfying, and it
makes you actually really please and happy that that many
(03:08):
people can see you work, but there's not much you
can do about it.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
That's true. How about for you, Alex?
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Yeah, I mean I think it's it is it's obviously
really a unique experience to have you know, your work
seene by so many people. But again, it is like
you can't control it once it's out of your hands,
and so it's just a kind of icing on the cake.
I guess even if one person saw it liked it,
we still did it and and uh, and we're proud
(03:36):
of what we did. So I think that's it's just
again it's it's kind of a nice little icing on
the cake.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Yeah, yeah, I love that chilette. You know, were you
and actually this is for both of you, But were
you fans of the work before? And you know, the
films are obviously as a film buff iconic, uh, And
if you were fans of you know, the books and
and the films. Do you feel a sense of responsibility
(04:03):
or nervousness or are you able to be like I'm
going to do? You know my spin on this.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Well, I didn't really do to buy spin because obviously
our stories are the second Age and Peter Jackson's films
are the third Age, so it's completely different time. So
it could also be different since it's a real prequel.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
I am a big fan of Peter Jackson. I was
a big fan of the features. We've seen them many
times and I always refer to them because I love them.
And I had read the books, that had read the
books when I was fifteen. My parents are giving them
to me, so I was. I mean, I knew of
them and I very very much enjoy reading. I only
read the book once, the books once, but I've seen
(04:47):
Peter jackson films probably many times.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
But thereafter when.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
We got these scripts, it's totally different because it is
obviously a second age. And also we made like Soren
a real character that he was never that in pet
Jackson's film, so he was We wanted to make something different,
and I feel like what the shortness wanted is to
make him a real character to understand where people were
(05:12):
coming from to understand their backgrounds, even though our troll
has a background here, right, And I believe in I
think serious today is very much about character, So I
think it was very exciting that way to actually give
life to them. But early one thousands of years before,
so we had like a lot of freedom to do
(05:34):
something different, and Alix and I actually did when we
came in. We did the first season together as well,
and we created that look for More or When with
the ashes and the orange lights, and that was something
completely different that we had freehands to do.
Speaker 5 (05:51):
You were inspired by the fires.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Right, Yeah, by real wildfires that I had seen in
my own life and kind of that, you know, using
real Earth to inspire Middle Earth. And you know, just
from my own perspective, you know, I was I was
in high school when the movies came out, and they
were really a huge influence on me. I remember the
moment sitting in theaters during the Return of the King
(06:15):
and saying, yeah, I think this is what I want
to do. I want to make movies and kind of
come full circle, get the call to kind of help
bring Little Earth to life again was a total dream
come true for me.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
So I love that so much. I got to say,
you know, I was, as a huge fan of the
books and the films, I was nervous when I went
to New York for the screener of the first couple
of episodes, and I'm like, oh my gosh, and it's
just you guys, it's such an incredible job that, you know,
I think for a lot of fans there was a
bit of nervousness like how is this material, you know,
(06:49):
going to be treated, And there's so much that is
uncharted and hasn't been shown and or even told, And
it's just such an incredible job that you guys have done.
And as a super fan, you know, I can't thank
you enough for that. So it's just it's, you know,
it's such another rewarding entry into this world that that
(07:11):
you guys have created.
Speaker 5 (07:13):
Thank you, thank you, so.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Thank you, and I appreciate both of you. Congratulations on
the success. I can't wait to talk to you for
season three of The Lord of the Rings The Rings
of Power. Thank you, thank you, appreciate it. Charlotte Branstrom
and Alex this enough. I love to hear about, you know,
the behind the scenes creators, which obviously these series and
(07:36):
movies and entertainment that we love wouldn't exist without them.
I love to hear, you know, kind of their what
they do and their take on things. So it's awesome
to hear from them. Next up, we're going to talk
with Benjamin Walker and Robert Arameo. As I mentioned earlier,
(07:57):
Robert plays Elrond, which he has some big elf shoes
to fill, and Benjamin Walker plays high King Gilgelod. So
great pair to talk to. Let's get right into them.
Benjamin Walker and Robert rame thank you both so much
for joining me once again. I really appreciate it. Nice
(08:17):
to see it, man, nice to see you. So, first
of all, congratulations forty million people. I have watched over,
you know, the first eleven days, which is just absolutely astonishing.
Is that, like it's a number I can't fathom. Is
that something that like even has registered with you. Yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:37):
I don't really think about it. I don't think it
best not to think about it. I'm excited that people
are excited about it. Yeah, you know, it does feel
I have a similar sensation ast when we've done Paul
as at Comic Con a couple of times that it's
just kind of humbling to be among peers and people
(08:59):
that you know love what you love.
Speaker 7 (09:00):
It's like when you're in high school and you're like,
oh my god, you love smashing pumpkins too.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Yeah, you know, you're like finding a kindred spirit.
Speaker 7 (09:09):
So it's it's nice to think that there's forty million
people that love something that you love.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
I love that and for you, but you know, for
both of you, you're such a theme for me in
in Rings of Power is journey and whether that's personal
journeys or literal journeys, how has your journey as actors
(09:36):
led you to where you are in a place to
be able to approach these roles that are you know, beloved. Well,
that's interesting. I think.
Speaker 7 (09:52):
I think it's dangerous to revere something in a way
that you were you forget to do the basics of.
Speaker 8 (10:02):
The job.
Speaker 7 (10:05):
That in some ways, the level of reverence for something
can sidetrack you as opposed to encourage you to reinvest
in the one to oh one of how do we
tell the story? You know, you step onto an incredible
set with wind cannons and fire bombs and mud and
(10:29):
hundreds of extras and stunt people, and you can get
into trouble if you allow that to not be a tool,
you allow that to be a distraction from Yes, but
in this moment, what are we trying to accomplish? What
does the lure dictate, and just down to the minutia
(10:51):
of in this scene with l Ron, what is the
story we want to tell and how do we milk
the most Tolkienian magic out of it that we can. So,
if anything, you have to embrace the humbling nature of
it and just return to basics. Be aware that it
is beloved and you are a fan. But if the fans,
(11:14):
your fandom, supersedes your ability to do the job, you're
in trouble. It's like when you meet someone you've idalized
for so long and then you can't speak. We don't
want to find ourselves in that position, as opposed to
approaching it like something we've We've done our background, we've
done our preparation, We trust our support. The team we
(11:37):
have assembled on set is the best on the planet.
Now let's do the job.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
I love that it's a very mindful approach, very very mindful,
very demure, That's what I say. And how about for you.
Speaker 8 (11:52):
Robert, Yeah, I was just thinking about just to pick
up off what Ben said that it's like I remember,
like in the Fast season and there was a lot
of scenes between me and Ben where like, you know,
just we'd turn up usually in that round podium thing
then have these scenes, you know. And one of one
of the highlights for me, weirdly was that in episode
(12:17):
five or something like that, we have one scene together
me and Ben which was like what it used to
be in the Fair season, which was just me and
Ben having a conversation about what we were going to do.
And it's moments like that that I really enjoy because
me and Ben, for example, I think, you know, we've
got a very similar vocabulary on the work. And if
(12:37):
you've got a teammate, if you've got somebody who you
feel like you really on a team with and you're
both working together just to tell this story and to
make it as clear as possible, then if that's honored,
then you can have loads of fun off of that,
and it opens the doortop all these different conversations and
creative conversations. But you know, so you feel thankful in
(12:59):
that moment for having somebody you feel like you're a
team met with, but it extends beyond act just as well.
To everyone you work it on the show because it's
just so there's just so many people you're welcome, you know,
and they're also passionate of you have to double down
in the fundamentals and return to the source material continuously.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
But that's also one of the joys of the job.
Is one aspect is we get paid to read Tolkien
for a living.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
And it has worked. It all comes in concert beautifully,
and as a as a fan of the work, the
series is just an excellent new exciting chapter if you will,
for us. So thank you for that. Thank you both
for speaking with me again. I can't wait for everybody
(13:48):
to see the last couple episodes of season two of
Rings of Power only on Prime Thank you, thank you,
Thank you again soon. Benjamin Walker and Robert Romeo love
to hear. You know. I'm a huge Lord of the
Rings fan and I'm a huge Rings of Power fan.
Prime Video has done such an incredible job with this series.
And as a lifelong fan of the movies, you know,
(14:12):
the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson, who's
a genius, and the Hobbit trilogy, you know, I grew
up with these movies. I had to read the books
and schools, which I then read continued to read on
my own prime video. And the creators here have done
such an incredible job with the Lord of the Rings
Rings of Power. I just it brings me right back
(14:34):
and fills out, you know, this universe that I love
so much. So in any event, next Marcellat Cavanaugh returns
once again, and Cynthia a Day Robinson, let's jump right
into it. Here we go. Thank you so much for
joining me. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (14:53):
Thank you so much for having us of.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Course, so uh, first of all, congratulations on the success
the Rings of Power. Over forty million people watched in
the last eleven days, which is insane. When you hear
numbers like that, do you are you just like what
you know? I mean, it's just such a massive, massive number.
Speaker 9 (15:17):
I have like no concept of what.
Speaker 10 (15:19):
Yeah, so I abstract, but yeah, I'm literally like it's
really Yeah, I don't how can I think about it?
Speaker 3 (15:28):
I also think that for me.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
Yeah, I just don't think.
Speaker 10 (15:33):
I just really haven't. It has not registered in that way.
And also when I'm I'm in this room and there's
a few people here, and I forget that, yeah, and.
Speaker 9 (15:43):
You forget that you're on the rings. Yeah, yeah, yeah,
it is, it is. It is a wow, and I
mean it is I think to be part of something
that's global in this day and age. I mean I
always think about the fact that people watch the show
in different languages, in different countries. There's something really universal
in the story. And you know, when we travel the
(16:03):
world and meet fans from all over the world, I
think that's when it really sort of hits home, that
it's like, oh, this has reached beyond, you know, even
sort of the the areas that we spend time. So
it's very cool. We're we're honored.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
I was.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
I'm a huge fan of the films, the books, the
entire world. And I talked to many of you for
season one in New York, and you know, I was
just telling someone that I was really nervous when I
went to the screening of the first few episodes because
I didn't you know, I didn't know what it was
going to be. And I'm like, you know, the books
(16:40):
or the films especially I grew up with, and you know,
they were so close to me and such a huge
part of my journey as a film buff and and
hear what I'm doing today, and and then it was
just absolutely incredible, you know, to watch especially I got
to see it on the big screen and on it
(17:01):
was just I'm like, wow, this is perfect. This fits
in so well with everything. As actors, as creators. Did
you feel any kind of responsibility in any way to
you know? This is the Lord of the Rings, you
know what I mean, It's not like something that nobody's
ever heard of before. It's kind of a clean slate.
(17:23):
This is a massive, massive property.
Speaker 9 (17:26):
I think we feel all the responsibility. I would say
that all of the sort of collective effort that you see.
It's not just the cast that feels responsibility. It's our
showrunners and writers and producers and crew. It's everybody involved
with the same love and the same understanding that this
holds so much importance to so many people, and everybody
(17:49):
goes about it in a very thoughtful, considered way. I mean,
I think if you've spoken to a few of us,
then you would know and you can tell that you know,
we're not just casually throw this thing together. It takes
us a long time to make this. There's a lot
of conversation around it, around it, there's a lot of collaboration,
and we absolutely take that responsibility very seriously.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Yeah, I love that. And for both of your characters
and many characters in the films or in the films
and the books and the series, journey is such a
huge integral part of the story, whether that's a personal
journey or a literal journey. Do you find, you know,
(18:35):
in doing this work that you can kind of relate
to some of these even though there's this fantastical element
at the heart of it, there's very real stories about,
you know, very real feelings that we all have and
experiences that human or otherwise have. Do you put that
(18:57):
into something like the Rings of Power kind of setting aside? Well,
I wasn't, you know, writing a dragon or something, but
I did kind of have this kind of storyline, if
you will, in my own life. Or is that harder
on something like a fantasy.
Speaker 10 (19:14):
I mean, I think in terms of bringing a personal
the personal idea personal sense of journey to fantasy, I
think that it, you know, being in a fantasy series
to me was a real irap note because I'd never
really been as invested in the fantasy genre before, apart
from books. In terms of cinema, it just wasn't something
that I'd gravitated towards. And I think that this was
(19:38):
amazing because fantasy it's the same themes. It's the same
themes of love and loss and community and versity in
all of those things, but it just is in the
in a fantastical context. And so in some ways I
really understand why people and audiences go and really love
seeing these these series and the films and the books,
(20:00):
because it's a way to confront your own whatever you're
going through personally, but at a bit of a distance
with visual effects and music and a different world. It's
not like a street you're recognizing or so it is
kind of a way to really feel and be moved
by these stories but also be really entertained. So in
(20:25):
that sense, I really love that you've brought up journeying
because I think, yes, journey is really important in these series,
in these books, but it's also what people are living
day to day. So it's just taking the day to
day and just heightening it in this magical well not magical,
but this yet these fantasy lands.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
That's amazing. Thank you both so much. I really appreciate it,
and I can't wait for everybody to see the last
few episodes and then we have a wait, but the
last few episodes of The Lord of the Rings Rings
of Power on Prime. Thank you both. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
Markella Kavanaugh and Cynthia Dave Robinson. Love talking to them,
love having them on. And last but not least, soar
On himself, Charlie Vickers. Hey, Charlie, great to speak with
you again.
Speaker 11 (21:16):
You too, Kyle.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Good to see it's been you as well. It's been
a it's been a few weeks since we last talked,
and in the meantime, forty million people have watched in
the first week or so. What is that like for
you when you hear a number like that.
Speaker 11 (21:34):
I mean, it's great, it's cool. I'm very removed from
that world, but it's great to know people are watching
and people are enjoying the show, and because ultimately you
make it for bands of Tolkien and people to enjoy
and take from it what they will. So it's cool
to know that we're sharing it with the world.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Yes, I love that, and as a fan, I love
everything that you, the entire cast and crew are feeding us.
It is very very good. So we and I'm trying
to be again as I always am when I talk
to you, a spoiler free as possible. But there's a
couple of episodes left, and you are for this season,
(22:16):
you are in many ways a god in many ways,
also being humanized in many ways. How was that for
you as an actor to kind of be able to
play a first of all iconic role that but that
has room for both of those sorts of things and
(22:38):
everything in between.
Speaker 11 (22:40):
I think that's part of the real challenge and joy
of doing this character right, because we like the character
has a lot of complexity and levels that are maybe
not evident when you just sort of look at when
you hear the name Suron, because he's been popularized as
the Giant I, and you know he serves the purpose
(23:01):
of evil in this story. But if you go back
through the Silmarillion and all the different writings of Tolkien,
there is so much there about his character and his
appreciation of art and craftsmanship, and his desire for order
and the healing of Middle Earth. And for me, it's
(23:23):
like that's the real challenge and privilege of the character.
It's having everything stem from that and not just being
like I'm evil going around.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
Yeah, yeah, And do you find that, you know, when
you play such a character, as you said, that's that's
you know, known through many generations and many cultures and languages,
that there is any responsibility to the fandom or or
(23:53):
the the man himself, you know, or are you able
to separate that and be like, Okay, I'm not going
to think about any of that. I'm going to be
Charlie putting myself into this character.
Speaker 11 (24:06):
Of course, I understand that there's a huge amount of responsibility,
and we see ourselves, I guess, as custodians of this
world right now, and I don't really think about it.
It's funny, I never really think about it.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
When I'm filming.
Speaker 11 (24:21):
There's this extra level of expectation, but you can't help it.
When you're doing these tools, you're meeting so many people
and so many amazing fans and the community, and you
hear their voices and their critiques and the things they love.
That's one of the most special parts of this job,
(24:44):
and you just want to do it justice. So you
do feel like that, But as far as when I'm
actually on set, you're so far removed from that, and
you're just in the bubble of making what you're making
that I can forget it, which is nice.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
That is nice, And you know, it's interesting that you
bring up I didn't think about it until just now,
but you are out there and eating people unrestrained, and
you know, I'm sure at a much bigger level, I
get you know, weird tweets and hate mail and all
those kinds of things, and I'm sure you get it
at a much higher level. What has been your most
(25:19):
interesting kind of critique or or you know, fan reaction
that you were taken back by or called a security
guard or something.
Speaker 11 (25:31):
Yeah, I one, if I had I on the it
was actually one of a memorable ones sticks out when
I was going I was filming the start of season
two and one of the supporting artists, as I was
walking to the lou said, oh, that's that's not how
Tolkien wrote the ending, was it? And just kind of
(25:51):
smiled at me and then walked away. And I was like,
so that was like that was kind of funny interaction.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
I take it.
Speaker 11 (26:01):
It was very it was very lighthearted, right reference to
the season, the end of season one, But you know,
that's that's one that sticks out to me. But it's
always everyone's always so nice, kind. I mean, it's San Diego.
People were just so loving in the everything they offered
and really appreciative of the hard work that everyone's putting in.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Yeah, and I think that's a testament to you and
everybody's work on the series, because it is just such
a enjoyable journey, both you know, literally and physically for
the viewer and for many of you. So Charlie, thank
you so much once again for speaking with me. I
can't wait for everybody to see the rest of season
(26:47):
two of Rings of Power, and I'll talk to you
for season three only on Prime. I can't say enough
about the Lord of the Rings the Rings of Power.
I was talking to many of you on line, on
Reddit and Instagram about, you know, each episode as it
was debuting, so we could talk together, and it's been
(27:10):
so awesome to hear your thoughts while I share my
thoughts and you know, get different insights from you on
you know what you think of the show. It does
have some aters, but it is a hugely successful show.
I mean, within a week, like forty million people had
watched the first three episodes of Rings of Power. Rings
(27:36):
of Power is also a top five all time season
for Prime Video in its first eleven days, and it's
been number one most watched on the top ten of
Prime Video since season two debuted. Prime Video also hit
huge numbers overall for season one and two, with nearly
(27:58):
one hundred and fifty million people around the world watching
season one and now with the season finale about to air,
fifty five million global viewers for season two in just
a few weeks. It's pretty incredible. It's two hundred million
people watching your series. It does a great job. I
(28:20):
want to know what you think. Hit me up on
social or if you're using the iHeartRadio app to listen,
hit that talkback button and you'll be able to send
me a voicemail, which I just may play right here
on the show. All right, that's it for this week.
We have a lot of cool stuff coming up with
spooky season here. I will talk to you soon, Alivia.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
We are thank you for listening to pop Culture Weekly.
Speaker 12 (28:43):
Here all the latest at popculturewekly dot com.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
I'm a hobbit boy in a hobbit We're I'm a
Hobbit boy. Are you a hobbit girl?
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