Lord of the Rings movie actor Hugo Weaving addresses why he is reluctant to watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The actor portrayed Elrond, the Elven lord of Rivendell who helped bring together the Fellowship in the first movie. He appeared in all three films. Now, Robert Aramayo takes on the role of Elrond for the Prime Video television series, exploring the character’s deeds during Sauron’s initial rise to power in the Second Age of Middle-earth. Season 2 is set to premiere this week, returning two years after a generally well-received first season.

While speaking to RadioTimes, Weaving admitted that he feels he is unlikely to dive into The Rings of Power for one main reason. However, he still wished Aramayo well in taking on the role of Elrond. Check out Weaving’s response below:

I haven’t seen it, and apologies to Robert. No, I spent too long in Middle-earth, and I don’t particularly want to go back there. I love New Zealand, I recently went back to New Zealand. But no, it’s funny – I think when you spend so much time on a particular piece, and in one way… it’s a big, big film, huge franchise, but for me, kind of, in a funny way, not a role that I think of with the same sort of stature in my head as it might do for fans.

So, no, apologies to Robert, but I haven’t seen it. I’m sure he’s great.

Other Lord of the Rings Cast Members Have Weighed In On The Rings Of Power

Many Stars Of Peter Jackson’s Movies Have Shared Their Perspectives

Weaving isn’t the only star of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies to be reluctant about returning to J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. Despite her upcoming reprisal of the role of Éowyn for The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, Miranda Otto revealed in 2023 that she had similar feelings towards seeing the television series. The Hobbit star Richard Armitage also ruled out watching the series, stating he had little interest in fantasy as a genre.

Elrond is one of the Lord of the Rings franchise’s most influential figures, and there is interest in knowing how the original actor views Aramayo’s younger take on the character.

However, other Lord of the Rings cast members have shared their support for The Rings of Power. Both Orlando Bloom and Billy Boyd, who played Legolas and Pippin respectively, shared their excitement for the series and its future, while Gollum actor Andy Serkis offered praise for its adaptation of Tolkien’s world. Furthermore, Boyd, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, and Sean Astin also stood with the Rings of Power cast and crew when they became subject to racist backlash online, releasing a strong public statement condemning the harassment.

With a world as rich and beloved as Middle-earth, it is understandable why some may be disheartened by Weaving’s response. Elrond is one of the Lord of the Rings franchise’s most influential figures, and there is interest in knowing how the original actor views Aramayo’s younger take on the character. Nevertheless, it is clear Weaving holds no ill will towards those taking Lord of the Rings forward, and hopes for the best as The Rings of Power continues its epic.