The Rings of Power’s Joseph Mawle has spoken out after it was revealed that his character Adar has been recast for season 2.
The Game of Thrones actor, 48, who played Jon Snow’s Uncle Benjen Stark in the fantasy series, took on the role show-original character Adar in the Amazon prequel.
The Rings of Power picked up several thousands of years before the events of the Lord of the Rings series, which features the likes of Frodo Baggins and Aragorn.
Slowly introduced in the early episodes of the series, Adar gradually took centre stage and became one of the main antagonists, leading an army of Orcs.
He became King of the Southlands and eventually gave a new name to the region that made him their ruler: Mordor.
However, while Adar will be returning in season 2, it’s been announced that Peaky Blinders actor Sam Hazeldine will be assuming the role from now on.
On social media, the actor paid an emotional farewell to the hit series: ‘I loved my time exploring middle earth and diving into Tolkien’s mythology.’
‘I’m so honoured that the character was liked. He cared deeply about telling you his story,’ the statement continued.
As Mawle’s message carried on, it became clear that he had made the decision to leave the show, rather than the other way around.
‘Though as an actor it remains my wish, my job description, to explore new characters and worlds. Wishing all the best to cast and crew for S2.’
Fans expressed their disappointment over his departure, but thanked him for his work in the first season of the series.
It is not yet known whether The Rings of Power is going to address to the change of actor in-universe – details about season two are currently thin on the ground.
Mawle played Benjen Stark in the first, sixth, and seventh seasons of Game of Thrones, but only appeared in six episodes in total.
Actor Bernard Hill, who played King Theoden in Peter Jackson’s Lord of The Rings trilogy, heavily criticised The Rings of Power.
‘It’s a money-making venture and I’m not interested in watching that or being in it. Good luck to them and all that stuff but it’s not like the real thing,’ he told us.
The Rings of Power is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
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