Los Angeles, Sep 1 : Amazon head honcho Jeff Bezos thanked ‘Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showrunners Patrick McKay and John D.Payne at the UK premiere of the Amazon Prime Video series on Tuesday night for not paying attention to his notes regarding the show. “Every showrunner’s dream and I mean every showrunner’s goal is to get drafts of scripts or early cut from the executive chairman and founder,” Bezos quipped while introducing the first two episodes of the series.
“They loved this.I would like to thank you for listening when it was helpful, but most importantly, I want to thank you for not ignoring me at the perfect moments.”
Bezos added that there were some concerns about selecting McKay and Payne who have only few of credits each, to lead the incredibly expensive blockbuster series, stating: “One of the best choices we took was to place our bets on this team, which is not very well-known.Some people even questioned our choice.We saw something unique.
“J.D., Patrick, thank you for taking on this task and pouring your entire self into it.Everyone in this room is there to realize that we made the right decision.”
In a rare address, the Amazon head addressed the audience that comprised Tokien’s grandson Michael Tolkien, Amazon Studio director Jennifer Salke, head of television Vernon Sanders, castmembers, media, and even fans who were dressed in the full Middle Earth cosplay, that he himself was first enthralled with the fantasy novels as an teen and that his Tolkien-loving son had warned him to not “eff up” the series.
“My grandfather is the person who introduced me to Tolkien,” said Bezos.
“I am in love instantly when I was 14 or 13 years old.I became in with love with the excitement of course, with the detailed universe, with the feelings of optimism and hope, with the idea that everyone has a part to take on.And I’m glad to say that this cycle continues to be a part of my life today.My children have become Tolkien fans too.”
“In fact, one of my boys, I believe, is close to the level of the Tolkien scholar.he has a lot of knowledge about the universe.
After Amazon became involved in this project My son came at me once, he looked me in the eyes, very seriously and he said: ‘Dad please don’t faff this up’.Then he was correct.
We are aware that this planet is significant to many people.We know it’s a privilege to be a part of in this world, and we recognize that it’s a huge responsibility.”
Salke also took to the stage prior to the screening of the show to express her gratitude to Bezos as well as the crew and cast, and in particular, the Tolkien estate “for their trust and partnership.”
It is believed that Amazon Studios struck a deal directly with the Tolkien estate to license the IP, allowing it to avoid the Saul Zaentz Company, who until last month held all rights to screen except for television shows longer than eight episodes.The Prime Video series consists of eight episodes.
The red carpet during the London premiere were cast members, like Sir Lenny Henry, who plays Sadoc Burrows, Morfydd Clark, who is Galadriel, the elf (the younger version of the character played by Cate Blanchett in the Peter Jackson adaptation) and Markella Kavenagh who plays the daring “Nori” Brandyfoot.
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