Tired of the Comparisons? Rings of Power Showrunner Addresses the Game of Thrones Debate!

Rings of Power Game of Thrones

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showrunner Patrick McKay addresses comparisons between his upcoming show and HBO’s Game of Thrones. Based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s beloved novels, The Rings of Power takes place in the Second Age of Middle-earth, chronicling the rise of evil in what were previously generally prosperous times. The show, which also hails from showrunner J. D. Payne, is already highly anticipated by fans of Tolkien’s source material and, in particular, fans of Peter Jackson’s acclaimed The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Before the first trailer for The Rings of Power had even been announced, however, comparisons were drawn between it and Game of Thrones. First premiering in 2011 on HBO, Game of Thrones became one of the network’s most successful shows, adapting George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novel series. McKay has already spoken about how The Rings of Power will not feature the same graphic violence and sex as Game of Thrones but, with the upcoming release of the spinoff show, House of the Dragon, many fans are again wondering how Prime Video’s anticipated The Lord of the Rings series will compare against HBO’s fantasy offerings.

At the Television Critic Association’s semi-annual press tour, per THR, McKay addressed comparisons between The Rings of Power and Game of Thrones. McKay explains that, while he understands why the comparisons are being made, it’s not something that he or co-showrunner Payne were concerned about during production. According to McKay, they were so focused on bringing Tolkien’s vast fantasy world to life in an authentic way that they actively tried to “drown out” what was going on with other properties operating in similar fantasy spaces. Check out McKay’s full comment below:

“We talked about this a lot. It comes up and we totally understand where the question comes from. We don’t think of the show in terms of what genre or other shows that might be out there. We think about [Tolkien], his life’s work was creating this world. This is Tolkien’s Middle Earth and regions beyond Middle Earth and we just wanted to be true to that and sort of drown out and forget about what might be happening in another realm someplace else…. Tolkien’s work is endlessly applicable across cultures and across times, and we feel really grateful to be able to bring it to life in our time.”

Lenny Henry as Sadoc Burrows holding a lantern in Lords of the Rings The Rings of Power

With both House of the Dragon and Rings of Power set to release within a few weeks of each other, many fans see the two shows as direct competitors. McKay’s sentiments echo comments made earlier this year by HBO Content Chief Casey Bloys, who expressed interest in focusing on his own work rather than worrying about what other creators and networks are doing. While it’s easy to see why the two shows would be compared and even pitted against each other, it seems that important figures involved in both The Rings of Power and House of the Dragon are focused mainly on creating the best version of their own respective shows.

Expectations are understandably high for The Rings of Power, especially considering the success of Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Since the world of Game of Thrones is ultimately very different from the one in The Lord of the Rings, it’s likely for the best that creators and executives on both sides are focusing on their own shows instead of pondering how their work will compare to others. While it remains to be seen how both The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and House of the Dragon will turn out, it’s evidently a great time to be a fan of fantasy television.

Related Posts

“I’m Obsessed with Cats!” Taylor Swift’s Purr-fect Passion: How Cats Rule Her World.

Taylor Swift, the global pop icon known for her chart-topping hits and storytelling prowess, has a lesser-known but equally captivating side: her unabashed love for cats. In…

Ginny & Georgia Season 4 Drops a Heart-Stopping Twist: Marcus Isn’t the Father — A Hidden Rival Steals the Spotlight! 🤯⚡️ Ginny’s pregnancy bombshell leads to Liam, a charming debate coach with a dark secret, revealed as the unexpected babydaddy. Can Ginny navigate this betrayal while Georgia’s own secrets threaten to destroy their family legacy? Binge Season 4 on Netflix and brace for a drama that flips everything you thought you knew!

Buckle up, Peaches, because Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia Season 4 is about to blow your mind with a plot twist that’s shaking Wellsbury to its core! Just…

Travis Kelce Finally CONFIRMS Marriage with Taylor Swift TWO Months After Secret Wedding, Millions of Fans in SHOCK!

In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment and sports worlds, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has officially confirmed his marriage to global…

Netflix Just Launched THE Family Drama to Top Bloodline — A Top 10 Hit You Can’t Ignore! 😲🔥 Toss aside the coastal charm—this 8-episode saga exposes a family torn apart by hidden crimes and treacherous alliances. A star’s dark transformation stuns, as a small town’s secrets threaten to shatter a dynasty’s fragile bonds. 👀 Stream now on Netflix and brace for a thriller that leaves no one innocent!

Netflix has solidified its reign as the home of prestige limited series, with hits like Adolescence, American Primeval, Zero Day, and Sirens captivating audiences worldwide. Now, the…

Taylor Swift has finally found someone who matches her energy—Are they each other’s perfect piece?

Taylor Swift’s Explosive Energy Taylor Swift, one of the most iconic figures in 21st-century music, is renowned not only for her chart-topping hits but also for her…

Now on Netflix: Suits and The Lincoln Lawyer Ignite a Fierce Legal Clash — Where Secrets Fuel the Fight! 😱⚖️ Harvey Specter’s suave strategies face off against Mickey Haller’s street-smart justice, united by ambition but torn by personal demons. Can their uneasy alliance crack a ruthless case, or will past vendettas steal the spotlight? 👔 Watch now on Netflix and witness the legal drama that’s redefining justice!

Picture this: Harvey Specter, New York’s slickest corporate closer, steps off a private jet in Los Angeles, his tailored suit gleaming under the California sun. Waiting in…