In a candid interview with Gent’s Post, Ismael Cruz (Arondir) and Maxim Baldry (Isildur) opened up about their journey in The Rings of Power Season 2, discussing the complexities and emotional depth of their characters. Reflecting on the moment they were cast in these iconic roles, both actors shared a mix of excitement and apprehension. “It was a mixture of emotions, but I think I was excited to tackle the sort of Tolkien fantasy world, and I was so excited to be part of this franchise,” Cruz said, recalling his reaction to landing the role of Arondir. Maxim echoed similar sentiments, describing his journey as an epic wild ride that was both daunting and exhilarating. He expressed how the long audition process made finally landing the role of Isildur feel like a hard-earned reward.
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Arondir and Isildur
As the conversation progressed, Cruz delved deeper into the personal connection he felt with Arondir. “That character is very familiar,” he explained, emphasizing how naturally he could tap into the darkness and complexity that defines Arondir’s journey. “We’re all very similar to our characters, ironically. The more I think about it, the more I realize that everyone involved brings their own lived experiences into these fictional worlds, making their portrayals all the more authentic.” For Cruz, this connection allowed him to explore Arondir’s internal conflict and emotional turmoil with a profound sense of empathy and understanding, making the role both challenging and rewarding.
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Maxim Baldry, who portrays Isildur, resonated with Ismael’s sentiments, particularly regarding the immense grief that his character carries. “There’s an insane amount of grief that he’s feeling,” Maxim shared, revealing how he used his own experiences of loneliness and loss to bring depth to Isildur’s emotional journey. “I think if you’ve ever been lonely, if you’ve ever lost someone, you understand that grief. And I think that’s what makes compelling performances—when you bring in things from your own personal life and put them into a character. That’s when things come alive.” Baldry’s approach to Isildur is deeply rooted in his understanding of these universal human experiences, allowing him to portray the character with a level of authenticity that resonates with audiences.
Creative flexibility
The conversation also touched on the creative flexibility that the actors experienced while molding their characters. Cruz, who found himself completely in tune with Arondir, appreciated the freedom to explore the intricacies of his role. “He’s very sensitive and leads with emotion,” he noted. “But he also has a methodical aspect, being an elf and a military guy. He’s buzzing inside with curiosity, a desire to learn, and a desire to connect with other beings, especially humans.” This duality within Arondir—his disciplined exterior and his emotional depth—presented a unique challenge for Ismael, who worked to balance these traits in a way that felt true to the character.
Cruz also spoke about the challenges of balancing the weight of his character’s grief with the need to stay true to the stoic nature of an elf. “When you’re sad as a human, you can express it physically and emotionally in certain ways. But elves are different. Their understanding of life and time is different, which makes it a challenge as an actor to find that balance.” This aspect of elven culture, with its emphasis on emotional restraint and longevity, required Cruz to convey Isildur’s deep sorrow in a way that was subtle yet impactful, a task he approached with great care and respect for Tolkien’s world.
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Enjoying the moment
The actors also discussed the importance of grounding themselves in the moment, both on and off set. Baldry emphasized that staying present was crucial in navigating the emotional and physical demands of their roles. “It’s about being present and surrounding yourself with wonderful people who make you feel safe”. He credited the supportive environment on set for allowing him to explore the various sides of Isildur’s journey without feeling overwhelmed. This sense of safety and trust allowed both actors to push the boundaries of their performances, delving into the emotional depths of their characters with confidence.
Baldry also noted the collaborative nature of the show’s production. “We’ve got an incredible team, from the directors to the other cast members, and that creates a space where you feel safe to take risks”. He noted that this environment of mutual respect and creative freedom was key to bringing the characters of Arondir and Isildur to life in a way that felt both authentic and resonant. This collaborative spirit extended beyond the set, with the actors drawing on each other’s energy and insights to deepen their understanding of their roles.
As The Rings of Power continues to unfold, the emotional depth and complexity that Ismael Cruz and Maxim Baldry bring to their roles will undoubtedly captivate audiences. Their portrayals of Arondir and Isildur, steeped in darkness, grief, and a relentless quest for connection, highlight the universal themes of loss and redemption that are at the heart of Tolkien’s world. The actors’ commitment to these roles, combined with their ability to channel their own experiences into their performances, ensures that these characters will leave a lasting impact on viewers, adding new layers of depth to the rich tapestry of Middle-earth. The Rings of Power Season 2 will be available on Prime August 29.
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