The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power's supervising sound editors Robert Stambler and Damian Del Borrello recently revealed how the Prime Video show's sound design subtly references the Orcs' "decaying" bodies.
Stambler and Del Borrello explained that a "buzzing flies" sound effect accompanies The Rings of Power's Orcs to hint at their putrid condition in an interview with Variety. The pair also acknowledged the influence of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy on The Rings of Power's Orc sound design. This included developing a similar aural hierarchy among the malevolent creatures' ranks, with only the bigger Orcs who held leadership positions capable of actual speech versus animalistic growls and grunting.
Rotting bodies notwithstanding, the Orcs are expected to play a key role in Sauron's (Charlie Vickers) plan to conquer Middle-earth in The Rings of Power Season 2. Fans apparently won't have long to wait until the fantasy series' next batch of episodes arrives, either. The Rings of Power's second season wrapped filming several weeks before the SAG-AFTRA strike was announced, which suggests it will kick off post-production on schedule. That said, it's currently unclear how active showrunners J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay will be during this stretch of the production, as the Writers Guild of America strike may prohibit their involvement.
Rings of Power Stars Tease Season 2
The SAG-AFTRA strike has likewise required The Rings of Power's cast to stop promoting Season 2, although several stars have already teased where Middle-earth's story is headed next. Notably, Galadriel actor Morfydd Clark previously talked up what a big deal her character's Ring of Power, Nenya, will be in the second season. "When we finished Season 1, the rings were being made and we knew it was going to be a huge change for Middle-earth. [Galadriel] is going to be part of that change because she has her own ring," Clark said.
Meanwhile, Clark's co-star Sophia Nomvete indicated that fans will get to see Sauron finally unleash his full might in Season 2, having abandoned the Halbrand alias he operated under in Season 1. "How does every single world navigate [Sauron's] time, his reign and his force?" Nomvete, who plays Princess Disa, said. "And it is absolutely mind-blowing. I hope I'm allowed to say that but it's so desperately exciting.... There is a lot to play for. There is a lot coming and I cannot wait to see it."
All eight episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 1 are currently streaming on Prime Video. Season 2 does not yet have a release date, but is expected to premiere sometime in 2024.
Source: Variety