As the second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” approaches, stars Cynthia Addai-Robinson and Sophia Nomvete share insights into the evolution of their characters and the deepening of their roles. During a conversation at the 2024 Essence Fest with Trey Mangum, managing editor for Blavity/Shadow and Act, both actresses opened up about their journeys.
Cynthia Addai-Robinson, portraying Queen Regent Míriel, expressed a newfound ownership over her character. “In the first season, it was about learning who Queen Míriel is. Now, there’s a real ownership. Audiences are invested in these characters, and you want to relax into the role a little more,” she explained. This shift from research to embodiment has allowed her to explore deeper layers of her character’s narrative.
Sophia Nomvete, who brings to life Disa, a princess of the Dwarven city of Khazad-dûn, highlighted the unique challenges of portraying a character not originally in the canon. “Disa is a new character, and portraying her involved trusting and empowering this new creation. It was a collaborative process with the showrunners, which required a strong belief in myself and the character,” Nomvete shared.
Their experiences underscore a significant transition from the initial portrayal to a more profound and personal connection with their roles as the series progresses. With the upcoming season set to premiere on Prime Video on August 29, fans can anticipate a deeper and more enriched exploration of these beloved characters.
