The creative team behind Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power claims it is listening to audience criticism as the controversial fantasy series prepares for its third season. However, co-showrunner Patrick McKay has made one thing abundantly clear: fans are not in charge of the show.
Speaking with SFX magazine in an interview reported by TVLine, McKay acknowledged that audience reactions matter to the production, even as he emphasized that viewers ultimately have no authority over its creative direction.
“We would be bad at our job if we didn’t care somewhat what people think of it,” McKay explained. “That doesn’t mean that they’re suddenly in charge.”
The remarks come after years of controversy surrounding Amazon’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, including criticism of its deviations from established lore, characterization, and storytelling.
They also represent an interesting contrast with the showrunners’ previous responses to backlash, which have occasionally been considerably more confrontational.
Showrunners Previously Called Certain Backlash “Patently Evil”
The relationship between The Rings of Power and portions of Tolkien’s fanbase has been contentious since the show’s first season premiered in 2022.
That October, co-showrunner J.D. Payne addressed criticism surrounding the series’ inclusive casting decisions during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, subsequently covered by GameSpot.
Payne argued that the show’s approach to diversity was consistent with Tolkien’s themes of cooperation between different peoples.
Morfydd Clark as Galadriel and Charlie Vickers as Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2024), Amazon MGM Studios
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“The spirit of Tolkien is about disparate peoples who don’t trust one another and look different from one another finding common ground in friendship and accomplishing big things,” he explained.
However, Payne went further when addressing hostile reactions to the show’s casting and interpretation of those themes.
“I don’t see how people who are saying these things think that they’re fighting for good. It’s patently evil.”
The characterization drew attention because of the broader debate surrounding legitimate criticism of Amazon’s adaptation.
Importantly, Payne’s comments were directed toward reactions to diverse casting that he considered objectionable, rather than an explicit condemnation of everyone dissatisfied with the series.
Owain Arthur as Prince Durin IV; Sophia Nomvete as Princess Disa in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2024), Amazon MGM Studios
Nevertheless, the controversy illustrated the growing divide between the show’s creators and viewers who believed Amazon was prioritizing its own creative and cultural interpretations over Tolkien’s established work.
Criticism of the series has extended well beyond casting, encompassing its treatment of Galadriel, alterations to Middle-earth’s chronology, and significant departures from Tolkien’s writings.
The Showrunners Previously Insisted They Would Not Change Course
By 2024, the show’s creators were still defending their original vision.
In an interview with British GQ, McKay acknowledged that the creative team was aware of audience reactions but maintained that the series would continue following its established direction.
“We’ve got a plan and we’re sticking to it,” he declared.
Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2024), Amazon MGM Studios
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The same year, McKay addressed suggestions that the second season’s greater emphasis on familiar Tolkien lore represented a response to criticism of Season 1.
Speaking with TechRadar, he rejected that interpretation.
“It was always the plan,” McKay insisted.
Those earlier statements emphasized confidence in the show’s creative direction rather than any willingness to substantially reconsider decisions in response to dissatisfied viewers.
Now, with Season 3 approaching, the messaging has shifted toward learning from audience reactions while maintaining creative control.
Listening to Fans Without Giving Them Control
In the latest interview, McKay also acknowledged that the production team evaluates audience feedback and wants viewers to enjoy the series.
“We listen to what people say, and we want people to love it,” he explained.
He described the creative team as its own harshest critics and indicated that the production would learn from elements of the series that worked and those that did not.
That willingness to acknowledge criticism is noteworthy given the show’s history.
However, listening to criticism and acting upon it are two different things.
An Orc in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2024), Amazon MGM Studios
There’s nothing inherently unreasonable about showrunners maintaining authority over their productions. Creative decisions cannot be determined entirely by social media reactions, and audiences will inevitably disagree about how beloved fictional properties should be adapted.
But The Rings of Power is not an original fantasy universe. Its existence depends on the popularity of Tolkien’s books and the enormous audience that developed around Middle-earth over generations.
That connection creates expectations that go beyond those surrounding an entirely new television property.
Fans who object to changes in established lore or characterization are not necessarily demanding creative control. Many simply want an adaptation that respects the source material they have supported for decades.
Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Queen Regent Míriel in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2024), Amazon MGM Studios
Whether the show’s third season addresses those concerns remains to be seen.
For now, McKay’s comments suggest that Amazon’s creative team wants audiences to know their criticism is being heard, even if the showrunners remain firmly committed to making the final decisions.
Fans may not be in charge of The Rings of Power, but they remain in charge of whether the series earns their continued attention.
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