“You don’t choose the ship. The ship chooses you.” That’s a ridiculously fun belief I’ve always stood by when it comes to romantic pairings on TV and film because even if you know that something is doomed, it doesn’t matter if they appeal to you. That was the case in The Rings of Power when the explosive chemistry between Morfydd Clark’s Galadriel and Charlie Vickers’ Sauron gripped me (and many others) right from the start, even though we knew based on Tolkien’s expansive lore and previous stories that she was to marry Celeborn. But Celeborn wasn’t in the picture then.
When news came out that Jamie Campbell Bower was cast in Season 3, assumptions were made that he could be another manifestation of Sauron. After all, with his incredible means of playing a cunning villain like Vecna in Stranger Things, it wouldn’t be shocking. It’d be another sensational feat for him to show off his astonishing acting chops. But in an exclusive with Empire, we now know that Bower will actually be playing Celeborn, changing everything in the shipping realm completely.
Sharing the official news on social media, Bower writes, “Beyond elated and grateful to be joining this wonderful show and universe. X” So are we. Truly, so we. It’s long been known that the story of Celeborn and Galadriel is inspired by Tolkien and his wife Edith, and with this portrayal it legitimately feels like we’ll get something magnetic. I didn’t think I’d be swayed by Celeborn and would continue to wallow in my little ship instead, but I’m nothing if not loyal to specific actors, I suppose.
In the exclusive with Empire, showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay note that they saw hundreds of tapes for Celeborn, and knowing what Jamie Campbell Bower is capable of, it isn’t shocking that he’s the one they cast. His voice alone is enough to sell it for me, and there’s no doubt that his performances will be some of the best depictions of a lover boy we’ll get all year.
A new teaser was also unveiled at San Diego Comic Con earlier today, revealing our first (and stunning) glimpses of what we’re in store for.
The Rings of Power Season 3 is set to premiere later this fall on November 11. What are our thoughts on Jamie Campbell Bower’s casting? Let us know in the comments below.
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