Andy Serkis defends lack of diversity in Lord of the Rings cast
Summary
Andy Serkis is directing and starring in a new Lord of the Rings film called The Hunt for Gollum, which will come out at Christmas next year. He explained that the story explores Gollum’s past and the origin of Bilbo Baggins’ ring. Serkis addressed questions about the mainly white cast, saying it reflects the original setting inspired by Norse mythology, and that they cast actors based on the story, not to meet diversity quotas.Key Facts
- Andy Serkis is directing and starring in The Hunt for Gollum, set between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies.
- The film focuses on Gollum’s backstory and the possible origin of Bilbo’s ring.
- The second new Lord of the Rings film, Shadow of the Past, will be written by Stephen Colbert but not directed by Serkis.
- The announced cast for The Hunt for Gollum is primarily white, including Jamie Dornan, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, and Ian McKellan.
- Serkis explained the mostly white cast is due to the story’s setting influenced by Northern European mythology and cultural ideas from Tolkien’s books.
- Serkis has supported equality in the past and understands minority experiences, but said this film casts actors based on story relevance, not to appear politically correct.
- Serkis also directed an animated version of Animal Farm, which has a star voice cast including Seth Rogen and Woody Harrelson.
- The animated Animal Farm film was released in the UK around the time of the interview.
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