Elijah Wood and His LOTR Co-Stars Unite in Support of Diversity in Middle-Earth Amid Racist RINGS OF POWER Backlash
The Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Sean Astin have spoken out in light of the racist remarks made by “fans” of the Amazon series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The series, which launched its first two episodes on September 2nd to critical acclaim and 25 million global viewers, has come under fire by racist fans upset by the casting of actors of color in prominent roles. Wood, Boyd, and Monaghan posed for a photo wearing t-shirts that features the ears of Middle-earth creatures in various skin tones. “You are all welcome,” Wood’s caption reads.
Sean Astin posted his own photo to Twitter in which he wore a hat with the same design on it.
Wood included a link to an online store where fans can purchase their own t-shirts with the design on it. The store is also selling a sweatshirt and more clothing items with the same graphic. The shirt as seen in the photo is selling for $22.00. Per the online shop: “50% of all proceeds will go to a charity that supports POC.”
The Rings of Power debuted shortly after the premiere of HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, which also came under fire from racist fans for spotlighting actors of color. Several prominent Hollywood figures have railed against the racist backlash.
It’s confusing because these are fantasy stories that include imaginary lands, dragons, creatures, and many different types of people from giants to hobbits to elves. All of that is easy for fans to understand, but brown and black people are just too far-fetched to wrap your head around? If that’s the case, I don’t know how to help you, but stop complaining about it, because no one cares if that’s your problem.
New episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will be released on Fridays through October 14th.