The fantasy genre is always popular, yet it often feels like it can be stuck with the same stereotypes and character types. In recent years, there have been some huge shows that have helped to shift the perspective of the fantasy genre. Game of Thrones expanded the appeal of the genre to a significantly wider audience, and The Wheel of Time began to move the genre forward in terms of diversity. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will undoubtedly be a huge hit, and it's looking to help transform the fantasy genre in a big way.
The Lord of the Rings books and films both had a huge cultural impact. The Rings of Power will be the franchise's first return to the screen since The Hobbit trilogy ended in 2014. The hotly anticipated Prime Video series has the ability to completely change how audiences view fantasy and the expectations of the genre moving forward.
One way that The Rings of Power can help to evolve the genre is by including a far more diverse cast. Many times fantasy series and movies lock themselves in a box of the typical casting choices. This is defended by saying the source material was written a long time ago or that it's based in a geographical location, but that's no excuse not to evolve casting decisions. Bringing in a more diverse group of people can help tell more unique stories. These unique perspectives and stories can enhance the series and allow it to reach a bigger audience.
The Wheel of Time books and the show on Prime Video both put women in the forefront of the story. The series gave a voice and a hero for strong and power women. The Rings of Power looks to do the same by focusing on a more warrior-like version of Galadriel. The stereotypes of the fantasy genre are often dominated by a male hero learning about himself and his greater purpose. Many audience members will know how Galadriel's story ends, so showing a different version of the character is interesting, compelling and changes the norm of the genre.
The Rings of Power is even evolving the classic villains of the Lord of the Rings franchise. The show has made it known that it will also include female Orcs. Including diversity in all aspects of the cast and of the show helps to make it more normal for the audience. Evolving a genre is crucial for its continued success. Without the ability to grow and change with the times, genres can become stagnant and die. The Westerns encountered this problem after years of incredible success. Shows like The Rings of Power are important for the continued growth of the fantasy genre.
The Rings of Power is not only looking to tell an incredible story about Middle-earth, but its story choices and casting decisions are helping to change the fantasy genre. By creating a more diverse story and cast, The Rings of Power can engage in a wider range of stories, reach a bigger audience and help to make these things more normal within the world of modern fantasy storytelling.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premieres Sept. 2, 2022 on Prime Video.