Charlie does a fantastic job of making Sauron likeable. Halbrand was very likeable in his rugged almost Aragon way. Annatar is likeable in a smooth almost majestic way. This lends to the success of his many deceptions. I used to think, "How could people fall for Sauron's evil schemes?!" After seeing Charlie's portrayal I'm like, "Oh, I totally get it now."
He did a great job but Annatar with his emotional manipulation was enraging af It was also sad to see pathetic elves with emotional issues. I think Annatar could have been sneakier rather than the elves being weak and human like.
Gosh Annatar’s stern looks were so scary to have to “report” to, like Celebrimbor did. He’s supposed to be this regal, angel-like figure but you could really tell he had darker, more sinister goals in mind by the way he would stew over something that Brimby snapped back at him with. I’m glad this show has some great scenes like that. And the subtle makeup changes to make his eyes and cheeks darker.
Exactly. I see a lot of people lamenting that characters are “stupid” because they fall for Sauron’s schemes, that if they only thought about it for a moment it would be easy to see through him… but that’s precisely the point. Those people only think of the plot and its mechanisms, without considering the actor and the performance right in front of their eyes. That performance, that character, is what seduced Galadriel first and Celebrimbor later. Not the things Halbrand and Annatar said, or the fact that they made perfect sense (they not always did), but the WAY he said them. The way he spoke, the way he carried himself… again, it’s seduction, plain and simple. Especially with Celebrimbor, the whole thing clearly feels like an abusive relationship. Sauron traps your heart first, and only later aims at your mind.
For all the shortcomings that the amazon series has, his portrayals of all the faces of Sauron are absolutly amazing ! The scenes with Cerebrimbor were perfect. Splendid actor and seems like a really nice bloke, hope to see more of him !
Can't really blame the guy for taking the role it was the chance of a lifetime to get to play in Tolkien's world plus a decent paycheck on top of that. It's a shame he wasn't given better material to work with he seems like a decent person hopefully this won't affect his career in the long run.
@@MartinAngers-j5n i absolutly do, but i get what you are saying. Sadly for a budget that large and a project that ambitious, the show do suffer a lot from those shortcomings. And i am not talking about the nitpicking stuff of course, i do like the show mostly because of the actors like mr vickers here. I guess i'm just bummed they didnt get a screen writing and scenario at their level.
@@LayllasLocker thanks ! I do agree with the other commenter that a hate bandwagon is an easy train to catch and can be a bit infuriating to see passing by your favorite franchise, nonetheless some things are worth pointing out, both in good and in bad ! :)
Brother took a villain who had little screen time in his physical form and completely knocked it out of the park. For me Charlie is Sauron. What a great actor.
Yeah no way I'm rooting for that guy lol. I could tell he was sauron right from episode 1! Lol just like I knew the stranger was gandalf! But I know what is going to happen in 200 more years lol. So no way I'm rooting for this guy! Let's go team elf's!!!! Lol
You're rooting for Sauron because everyone else just suck, maybe except for Elrond and Durin(s). You shouldn't be rooting for Sauron, but rather intrigued as to how he manipulate the world around him. But honestly... the way everything is done, the story the writing, i am rooting for Sauron, because dear god just kill everyone on this show and let it be done. That being said, I do admit that i like Charlie's performance, despite what he's been given to work with.
DUDE. Congrats on your success. You interviewing the stars of the show are validation of all your hard work and dedication to excellence. Congrats. Great interviewer.
Charlie’s acting is so nuanced. Love how he does his almost imperceptible evil smirk in scenes with Celebrimbor. He’s really doing a great job as the great deceiver. He’s bringing it all out. Well done
Charlie clearly put a lot of effort into this interview to thoughtfully answer your questions. It's rare to see actors take RU-vidr interviews so seriously, which was great to see. He really seems knowledgeable about Sauron. Hopefully, he'll reach out to you occasionally to bounce ideas off you for feedback. It would be amazing to kick off season 3 with a flashback of Sauron as Mairon, learning the art of smithing from Aulë in a bright, beautiful setting, then quick transition to the dark atmosphere of Mt. Doom, where Sauron is using those skills to forge the One Ring.
Charlie Vickers is shining spot in all series. He brought the Sauron character to greater heights and added an extra dimension to his role. Like amazing work sir
Charlie Vickers is easily my favorite part about Rings of Power! He plays Sauron really well. The entire time I'm watching I just hope next scene is gonna have him in it.
He is the highlight of the show and now I can see why…. He actually knows Tolkien fairly well and seems to care about the story! Awesome job Charlie! Your are one of the only bright spots in this series
Wonder why he went along with the show then. I'm sure he isn't a bad person, and he is indeed a decent enough actor, but going along with this atrocity always leaves a bad taste in my mouth and sours the impression I have of the actors.
@@Wikiwikifresh I'm sure it hurts, when you attempt to think once in a while. Seriously, you people never heard of criticism or what it means. Nevermind a different opinion. Whatever that is.
Vickers is so phenomenal. And his background work is pretty small. This proves that if casting does their job right, amazing new talent can be discovered. He's brilliant and I wish him a long and storied career 🎉
Great interview! Charlie did an AMAZING job as Annatar this season. His performance elevated the second season to something truly special. I can't wait to continue seeing more from him as Sauron!
He played the character so well. And in the show, when Sauron says he considered Celebrimbor a friend and wanted to make Galadriel a queen, **I believe him.** remember, Sauron is not the villain in his own story, at least not yet and not entirely. He does legitimately think he's the only one with the stones to make Middle-earth into what it should be. So when Galadriel and Celebrimbor "turn" on him (in his eyes), it does hurt him.
Eats a rat, centipede, and an old hag. Causes ship wreck, abandons host. Pumps and dumps Galadriel, Celebrimbor & rest of the elves. “I can still fix him”
Such a good interview Matt! Charlie is the perfect Sauron, even if the show isn't perfect. His knowledge and research really comes across. He's a proper asset & advocate for Middle Earth.
Series still sucks, sorry it is a little better than first season. But overall writing, quality of plot, characters is still really low. I like cast, but nothing more than that.
The position you are in now compared what this channel was when I started watching you a few years ago is absolutely insane. What a come-up, and so well deserved.
Yes, but at what cost. I really enjoy the lore content but Nerd is well out of step with the general discourse around this show. Unfortunately, access such as this explains those shortcomings.
@@arsebusquets2436 The general discourse is fairly lukewarm to positive. It has a number of detractors, absolutely, and some very valid criticisms, but Matt has always been vocal about those in his breakdowns.
@@arsebusquets2436 Are you really mad that he doesn't do rage-bait like other youtubers? Aren't there enough of those already. I think he does a pretty fair breakdown of the show.
@@rburk854 I enjoy his breakdowns through the lens of the lore, which is more interesting to me than people raging for clicks, but Matt has developed quite a knack of humorously glossing over the gaping inconsistencies in the plot, direction, character motivations and general acting beyond one or two performances. For the money being spent on this show, it should have the best people on board from the production team right down to the cast of extras. But beyond the CGI the world feels small, disorganized and disjointed. While I don't expect a reviewer to rage quit over the quality of a show, I want them to be forthright in their critique, not finding ways to bend over backwards to put a positive spin on every inconstancy they encounter.
Why should he follow the "general discourse" when he is allowed to have his own opinions. Matt is fantastic and if he sees positives in the show who cares, he's allowed to enjoy whatever he wants.
This was a great interview Matt! I’m amazed about how knowledgeable Charlie is and how invested he is in Tolkien’s Legendarium. His studies into Sauron as a character have really paid off!
He’s a phenomenal actor. Switching the emotions emitting from his facial expressions in a matter pf moments 🤩🤯 the scene where *********spoiler alert for season 2 episode 7********** Celebrimbor is disillusioned with Sauron’s ruse is some of the best acting I’ve ever scene and if that doesn’t get them both Emmy wins i’m not sure I can respect the Emmys anymore ❤🤷♀️ i’ve watched that scene like 54 times by now (no exaggerations) and each time it gives me the chills 💖💖 it’s just perfect 💓💓💓
Charlie Vickers is a true highlight of the show. I've loved watching him as Sauron masquerading as Annatar this season. With just a subtle shift in his expression, especially with Celebrimbor's back turned, you can see Sauron beneath the mask. Truly exceptional work.
I LOVE this about Charlie’s approach - and much of the cast’s - it gives me a lot more confidence in the show’s direction (even, maybe especially, in the way out there adaptation-specific moments) 💚📚
Then he needs to stand up for Tolkien and call the writers out for destroying the lore. Henry caville did that with the Witcher and when they quit listening to him he left the show.
@@xBRVTALx I respect your feelings - adaptation can leave a certain impression of the original work on people. Personally, I don’t think Tolkien needs defending, and I don’t think his lore can be destroyed while any copies of his literature survive 💚📚
I love how Charlie Vickers made Annatar so smooth! So powerful while also being soft spoken! Until Sauron loses his temper LOL I loved that scene: "I WANT THE NINE!" *gets hammer thrown at his head*
So powerful sauron lefted his force powers behind when he is fighting galadriel 😂😂😂 Explain why he just let's galadriel fall off a cliff, when he shown in E07. he got the power to make elves kill each other 😂😂 Fans of this show got the IQ of a fly. You follow where the 💩 is and rejoice in it.
@@jjOHNjiwho hurt you? If you’re a true fan of Tolkien, why attack other fans for liking something? Get over it and move on and be happy instead of acting like a bitter Uruk yourself
@@NightmareCo666 seems your the one that needs to get over it. Whats matter you ran out of excuses now you can't explain the logic behind the scenes. 🤣 Using your Common sense has really lefted you. Wake up puppet.
@ericmckenzie1221 i forget nenya is able to heal, keeping galadriel from broken bones. falling off a cliff onto a flat surface with nothing to break her fall. Somehow, she able to stand up after a few stabs. Care to explain??? Maybe explain how arondir is alive perfectly healthy 🤔 Maybe explain how an army of elves on horseback can all turn a handbrake on travelling 25- 30mph. Key word ARMY thats 1000's to a full stop from one word that isn't the king, lol. The horses behind would crash into the front. Maybe explain where the hell is gil-galad, why is elrond the leader and negotiating with adar. Explain why we get romantic music, zoom in pictures of lips kissing between galadriel and elrond. Clearly its intended to be a romantic scene. Its elrond's mother in law ffs and galadriel is a married woman. Explain why its acceptable for elrond to time travel everywhere, likewise with sauron. Explain why writers steal harry potter lines and then butcher peter jackson's work. Explain how metal nails hammered into a wall can bring down a wall. You ever done DIY??, ever used a hammer and nail and removed the nail before. What happens?? Does it bring the wood, brick, stone out with it, or is it just the nail.? Go on, explain it, use your common sense, and explain it.
It's great to hear him name all of tolkien's work and actually that he read about him in the other stories even besides the SIlmarillion. So many actors don't even bother to read the literature their character is based on. Great that you were able to have him on..
I wonder how he deals with the misguided hatred he most likely gets? The hatred is getting out of hand so im really glad to have Nerd of the Rings around , Critical thinking without resorting to cheap attacks or misguided anger. This is one of the few positive channels!
If the actors are getting hate it definitely is misguided. Those voices should be ignored. Also positivity is fine. But sometimes it smells like cope. I do not like Rings of Power. It seems to me that im not alone in this. But i also do not enjoy being called hateful or toxic or any other slur, just because of this.
@@thedoor43 never said it was complicated its obvious. What's even more hilarious is how all his subscribers are on his bandwagon of positivity. When you know deep down his positivity is false surrounding the show. Its a lie he sold his soul for the check, access and god know's what else.
Absolutely love this interview!!!! It's in person, not over zoom, with one of the main cast, and Charlie Vickers proved he really does know his Tolkien lore
Charlie did an amazing job as Sauron with his acting skills. The different emotions he portrayed and the different Sauron characters he played were a pleasure to watch. Really hoping to see a lot more from Charlie in the future. Incredible actor.
Great interview, what a treat for the end of the season! He's killing it as Sauron. Watching interviews with the actors is part of what helps me watch the show with more generosity. They're all so dedicated and have great ideas. Charlie seems particularly devoted to Tolkien.
@@MaroLitraTV For sure--it's just that everyone seems to think of him as the one who's well-read, but he's not the only one, even if he is the nerdiest. :)
Super happy to see your channel put out such great content. Charlie Vickers is definitely one of the highlights of the show and I really enjoyed his performance during all the Annatar arc. My only hope is that the shows writing improves so we can see his full potential with the deep character he's portraying.
the things hes doing with the caracter, jeez, what an amazing actor!!! thanks for delivering this in ways i could not even imagine! greetings from brazil
These are some of the best interviews I've seen with this cast. You have gotten them to talk about things that no other journalist has. Your questions are thoughtful and inviting, and the result is that the audience is getting information that is actually new and interesting. Incredible work.
I love Charlie as Sauron 😍😍😍 he is brilliant and this season you could see him falling further and further into the darkness! His face off with Galadriel was epic! And poor Cerebrimbor 🥹
As much as many fans are critical about different aspects of the show - we finally have a portrayal of Sauron which I am absolutely loving and appreciating! I as well appreciate all the risks they are taking and all the investment into the project. Creating things is always a double edged sword and even often you need to fail or others to fail in order to succeed. Plus, let's be honest, we all know that we cannot watch the show for hundreds and thousands of years or characters which change every episode apart from the elves and Sauron. But of course, we all have an opinion and opinions should count. I only wish negativity was more respectful in all aspects of life.
@LopezZeta i know you don't care nor does anyone else, who can't critique this show and call ppl out for selling their soul for the amazon payday. Nerd of the rings needs renaming to horde of the flys. His subscribers got IQ of flys because they follow wherever the 💩 is. Whereever nerd of the rings takes you whether thats against tolkien, you shall follow and rejoice in 💩.
In my opinion best actor on the show so far. Plays and excellent sauron, like how Ian McKellen is the only person I picture as Gandalf, I can only picture him as sauron from now on 😂.
The Sauron / Celebrimbor arc was amazingly Shakespearean. It proves that you can draw a lot more drama power from a story when you actually know that deception is at play than trying to play a game of guess-who’s-Sauron. And add my praises for both Charlie Vickers and Charles Edwards to the well-earned crowd!
It's safe to say Charlie is the absolute MVP on this show. I hope we get more seasons with the same amounts of resources and effects. Season 2 was a major improvement and I want to see more.
Season 2 blew me away! I'm just glad to see this world brought to life with so much detail. Charlie Vickers has nailed it as Sauron, and like the namesake he deceived us in Season 1 because I couldn't see Halbrand as Sauron.....until I did.
Wow, that was a lovely interview! ❤️ I really admire your work on the channel and watching its development and all the space it occupies brings me such joy. Congratulations ❤❤❤❤
It's encouraging to see the respect for the lore as far as even reading The Letters. And also how showpeople know that Nerd of the Rings is a gold standard and trustworthy source. I hope they all watch this channel even more. The show will greatly benefit the rest of seasons of so.
Yeah pretty critical of the series overall as a big time nerd, still enjoying it though, BUT gotta admit his portrayel of Sauron was really well done. Also an insane increase of acting skills in my opinion from season 1 to 2. Which is kind of cool because it also reflects the many sides of Sauron.
Matt you have been consistent for years and bring such a good approach and energy to the lore. Thanks for all the content dude, the interview was great (as always) and Charlie’s portrayals of Halbrand, Annatar and Sauron was a highlight of the show for me along with Adar, Elrond and Arondir
Despite all the shortcomings and dislike I have for Rings of Power, Charlie Vickers isn't one of them. I love Sauron in this show as far as adaptations go. Hell, I root for him because he's the most interesting character by far for me :)
Same. I am not a fan or Rings of Power but this season is slightly better. There are dialogues that are terrible and things that don't make sense, but I can stand it as long as the scenes with the Harfoots remain minimal. Oh how I hate those scenes, I cannot stand watching them as the cringe is too hard.
You can tell Charlie Vickers is as much a Tolkien lore geek as anyone watching the show, and it shows in the enthusiasm he has for his take on the role of Anatar/Sauron 👏🏽
This is so cool that you got to talk to the actors! I hope you get to meet Morfydd; she seems really sweet! And it would be wildly cool to talk to Bear McCreary about the music because he’s brilliant! I find myself humming the dwarves’ theme all the time!
Great interview! It's wonderful that Charlie can talk about specific moments now that the full season is out. He's clearly put a lot of thought into his performance and it really shows. I love that he loves playing the bad guy.
Despite any other problems with the show, Charlie's acting was truly one of my favorite parts. He's done so well, and I'd love to see him in Official Tolkien film canon.
Matt, I’ve seen your channel grow from just a couple hundred thousand subs, telling stories about the history of Middle Earth, to interviewing actors of major motion picture films and so forth. Wonderful work! 🎉 I’m very happy for you and the channel’s success. 😊
I forgot to comment @Nerd of the Rings, but I'm soooo thrilled that you interviewed Charlie Vickers! He's honestly the only reason I am interested in the show. I love the chemistry that he (Annatar) had with Charlie Edwards (Celebrimbor). I want a whole show with just those two LOL
It always feels when an actor cares about the character he is portraying! And the story as well! It feels through the screen that Sauron, Elrond, Elendil 💯 do!!! This trio brings that middleearthy vibes to the show!! I still wish that some scenes of this show could just disappear from my memory and the whole plot could be more consistent and closer to the original story. But I wished that these 3 actors still played their characters
Charlie did a great Job in season 1 and 2, I mean the most likable character and very good acting. Mostly watched the series because of how he played Sauron. And He did his research, and he definitely have respect for Tolkien's work which is important I think.