Leon Wadham was L at primary school in Wellington when the Lord of the Rings films first arrived 20 years ago, and at drama school when The Hobbit trilogy delivered its encore. So, while Peter Jackson's forays into JRR Tolkien's Middle-earth helped launch the careers of many local actors, Wadham figured for him that particular ship had long since sailed.
"I did not see a universe where there was a role for me in one of these Tolkien stories, so it's completely surreal to be involved in one now."
Today, Wadham sits talking to the Listener from Los Angeles, where he's one of 20 or so lead characters gathered for promotional duties for Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the series otherwise known as the most expensive television show ever made.
Despite the series being made here, he's the only Kiwi among the throng of Brits, Americans and Australians talking up the show as it heads to its debut. Presumably, it will be Wadham's turn to up sticks for the UK for the show's second season after Amazon's surprise decision last year to relocate it after finishing the New Zealand filming on the first season, which was given a taxpayer-funded rebate of some $162 million for the $650 million spent. The official reason for the departure is that Amazon is consolidating its screen production in the UK facilities it has invested in. With film-making technology being what it is, New Zealand landscapes already captured on camera may be dialled into the backgrounds of shots for years to come.
Denne historien er fra August 27 - September 2, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra August 27 - September 2, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
