The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the most expensive production so far in Prime Video’s history, with a budget of around US$1 billion, faces a complicated trend that has marked adaptations of this saga for more than two decades.
Despite its ambition and quality, the series, set in the Second Age of Middle Earth, continues to generate divided opinions. The reception of The Rings of Power reflects a fracture similar to that which has characterized the franchise since the debut of The Return of the King in 2003.
To understand better: the first season of The Rings of Power It got an 84% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to a meager 38% from general audiences. The second season maintained the same critical support, although the audience rating improved to 59%.
With three additional seasons already planned,The series still has room to reverse the situation and gain general acceptance.
Of The Return of the KingNo adaptation of The Lord of the Rings has received unanimous support. The trilogy of The Hobbit It featured an attractive cast and excellent visuals, but expanding a short book into three films was divisive among critics and audiences. In this context, The Rings of Power is the most immediate hope to break this series of controversial adaptations.
If the next seasons manage to replicate the impact of the original trilogy, this “cursed” trend could finally come to an end. Otherwise, other franchise projects may be affected.
These future deliveries represent the opportunity to recapture the greatness of the original trilogyconsidered an unsurpassed reference work in the fantasy genre.