Amazon's new fantasy series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has drawn some ugly reactions from a small but very vocal group of trolls. Performers and creators have been attacked on social media by viewers unhappy that the cast includes people of color as Elves, Dwarves, Harfoots and other residents of Middle Earth. Cast members Ismael Cordova (Elf Warrior Arondir) and Sophia Novete (Dwarf Princess Disa) have spoken out about the hateful messages they've received. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show also appears to have been "review bombed" by the same element giving it a suspicious "rotten" 37% on Rotten Tomatoes vs. its 83% "fresh" critic score.
Now the original Hobbit actors from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movies have weighed in on the situation. In an apparent message to let fans know where they stand, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd have all posted photos of themselves wearing shirts (or hats) that bear the phrase "You Are All Welcome Here" in Tolkien's Elvish language, along with a graphic of Elf/Hobbit ears in various skin tones. The You Are All Welcome Here merch was created by LOTR TikToker Don Marshall, who seems to have seen this stuff coming based on reactions online to early trailers and casting announcements. Shirts, hats, hoodies, and stickers are available here.
The cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power have also released a statement on the show's official Twitter account, standing in solidarity against racism, threats, and harassment.
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