“Lord of the Rings” star Sir Lenny Henry applauds Amazon’s departure from Tolkien’s fair-skinned characters to a diverse cast

Veteran British comedian Sir Lenny Henry commends the producers’ decision Lord of the Rings series to create a diverse racial cast.

Henry plays Sadoc Burrows, Harfoot (the proto-Hobbit), in Amazon’s high-budget show, which opens this Friday and departs from both Tolkien’s original books and Hollywood movies with his characters in his predominantly pale skin. Henry told him weather:

“This is the 21st century; People want to see themselves. Of course if you come back there will be something to gain because the books don’t say it. . . Although some characters are described as stocky and dark-skinned. . . But that was then, this is now, and now we’re telling the story. “

After decades of campaigning for more diversity in the entertainment industry, where he was one of the few black faces on British television in the 1970s and 1980s, Henry is relieved to be joined by other stars like Idris Elba. , David Harewood, David Oyelowo, and Riz Ahmed. while talking to him.

“I haven’t seen anyone responsible for something like me in a long time, so he’s alone,” he told the Times. “All these people say the same thing that I started in 2000, which is: ‘The industry needs to change and please hurry.’

like his role Lord of the Rings, Henry will be on screen in the next T.The Witcher: Bloodborne.