Amazon’s big-budget Lord Of The Rings series has hit a snag. Will Poulter has dropped out of the project. While his role was unknown, the Midsommer and Detroit actor was the biggest name attached to the show, so presumably he was in line for a hefty piece of the screentime pie.
The reason for Poulter’s departure is unknown. This is the second high-profile gig the actor has departed from in recent years, as he was originally on board to play Pennywise in Cary Joji Fukunaga‘s version of IT. When Fukunaga left the film over creative differences, eventually being replaced by Andy Muschietti, Poulter exited as well.
He’s done just fine since then, but this Lord Of The Rings show would have been arguably his biggest role yet (if he was indeed one of the leads). Other actors attached are Markella Kavenagh, Joseph Mawle, Maxim Baldry, and Ema Horvath, so Amazon may be in need of some starpower. Or maybe they think the Lord Of The Rings brand can drive interest without the need for big names.
JD Payne and Patrick McKay are spearheading the series, with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom director J.A. Bayona on board to direct multiple episodes. Amazon has already renewed the show for a second season, and they are sinking serious money into it. Despite all this, we’re still no closer to knowing what the actual story is. Amazon is keeping things close to the vest.
Production will take place in New Zealand, and filming will take a 4-5 month hiatus after shooting the first two episodes so that writers can bulk up on scripts.
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