Ismael Cruz Cordova plays Silvan elf Arondir. Image Source: EW
People come in support of Ismael Cruz Cordova.
Actor Ismael Cruz Cordova became the first Latino elf to appear in the Lord of the Rings series with the release of the Lord of the Rings prequel named "Rings of Power" on Amazon Prime, but some people weren't pleased.
The 35-year-old actor, who had been fantasizing about playing the part in the Lord of the Rings epic since he was a little boy, faced criticism, including online racial slurs from the audience. The performers have allegedly faced criticism because viewers believe they won't be able to faithfully reflect the original characters or the source material, even though the cast of the show added more diversity in terms of race and gender to the series.
Actress Sophia Nomvete, who plays Princess Disa, has received the same amount of backlash as Ismael Cruz Cordova, who plays Silvan elf Arondir. Members of the industry have started to speak up against the racist remarks made against the actors, and one of the most prominent voices was The View’s moderator, Whoopi Goldberg, who called out the fans for not accepting black actors as a part of their fantasy shows.
Whoopi Goldberg said critics who claim that they were too woke by including diverse characters and added that are people trying to argue that black people cannot be fake people too? that the characters featured on a fantasy program do not exist in the real world; there are no hobbits or dragons. Once more, she questioned whether there was a message behind all the remarks, pointing out that she was unaware of any hobbit clubs or planned protests, but added, "People, what is wrong with everyone?"
Whoopi also added that they would like to see as many people represented in fantasy as possible, and all of the ones who have problems because there are black hobbits should probably get a job and find themselves because they are probably focused on the wrong stuff.
Along with Whoopi Goldberg, the actors who played the Hobbits Frodo, Samwise, Merry, and Pippin in the original Lord of the Rings cast, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Bill Boyd, posted messages of support for the actors Ismael Cruz Córdova and Sophia Nomvete on their social media accounts. The performers shared a photo of themselves wearing a garment that said, "You all are welcome here," in Elvish and was created by TikToker Don Marshall and WizardWayKris. The shirt also depicted images of several characters' ears with a variety of skin tones.
Authorities for Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power also issued a statement in which they denounced the audience members' racist comments directed toward the show's actors. The Rings of Power cast released a statement in which they declared their unwavering support against the persistent bigotry, intimidation, harassment, and abuse that some of their castmates of color endure every day. They add that J.R.R. Tolkien constructed a universe that is, by definition, multicultural and refuses to accept it or ignore it. A world where good people of all races and cultures work cooperatively to subdue the forces of evil.
The statement continued by asserting that "Rings of Power" demonstrates that neither Middle-earth nor the fantasy genre has ever had all-white backdrops. The BIPOC has a place here and is a constant throughout Middle-earth. Last but not least, they would want to thank you for your support, the statement closed by expressing that all of their love and fellowship go out to the fans supporting them, especially fans of color who are also being attacked simply for being in this fandom. The authorities noted the bravery and infinite creativity, saying that the cosplays, fancams, fan art, and observations enrich the community. They also help individuals stay focused on their objectives and are a constant reminder of their worth, love, and position in the world. The message closed by saying that the fans are an important part of the Lord of the Rings family and that the creators value the fans' support.
The comment concluded with "Namári," an expression from Tolkien's imagined Elvish language that is used in his works, movies, and television shows and means "be well." Producer of Rings of Power Lindsey Weber dismissed accusations that the casting choices wouldn't be true to the original characters, saying to TIME in a recent interview that all of them are open to criticism but not for racism. Ismael Cruz Córdova shared that he did not see himself being represented on-screen, and when he said that he wanted to be an elf, people told him that elves do not look like him, and when he later heard about the character on the show, he felt like it was his mission to get the part.
Ismael Cruz Córdova responded to the criticism on social media by saying that the issue isn't the billboard but rather how we as a people, as creatures, and as individuals can become unmistakable, indisputable, irrevocably present, and anchored. We are here in force. We had already been here. The actor continued by saying that all he wanted was to live with the same opportunities to dream and succeed as everyone else, without asking for any privileges. He continued by saying that his people are everyone who has ever been abandoned, ostracized, or silenced. And they too own this moment!
Ismael stated in a Twitter thread that the hostel where he had had to reside for a time in a room with bunk beds with many other individuals who were having financial and housing difficulties and who all had beating hearts and aspirations for a brighter future was located close to the billboard. The 35-year-old actor claimed that he had a strong desire to reach the places they had been told they couldn't go. He said that sharing it with his DNA's two parts was completely bizarre in this passage. His heart is overflowing with love for them and everyone else who is a part of this fire.
Rings of Power is streaming now on Amazon Prime!
