Game of Thrones alum Joseph Mawle joins Lord of the Rings Amazon series

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

It appears as if GAME OF THRONES veteran Joseph Mawle will be sailing out of Blackwater Bay, Westeros and into the Gray Havens of Middle-Earth.

Mawle, who played Night's Watch ranger Benjen Stark and Jon Snow's uncle on GAME OF THRONES, has just been cast in Amazon Studios' LORD OF THE RINGS television series. While there's been no confirmation as to Mawle's role yet, reports are suggesting the part is for Oren, the series' lead villain.

Mawle (ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER) joins Will Poulter (BLACK MIRROR: BANDERSNATCH) and Markella Kavenagh, the latter of which will play female lead Tyra. The series will steer clear of Peter Jackson's films however, as it's set centuries before the events of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING and focuses on as of yet unknown storylines.

Writers JD Payne and Patrick McKay are penning the episodes while J.A. Bayona (THE IMPOSSIBLE) will take on directing duties.

Personally, I think this is an excellent choice. Although Mawle's work consists mostly of U.K. television films and series, his limited time on GAME OF THRONES really showed off his acting chops and if the rumors are true, I can't wait to see him in a villain role. Could it be a villainous elf? I mean look at that face! It just screams elf.

Amazon's LORD OF THE RINGS television series is set to start filming next year in New Zealand with a planned 2021 release date.