Leadership and legacy: Benjamin Walker on Gil-galad’s dive into The Rings of Power’s high king

Portraying an iconic figure in J.R.R. Tolkien’s rich Middle-earth lore is no small feat, and Benjamin Walker, who takes on the role of Gil-galad in The Rings of Power, feels the weight of this responsibility. As the High King of the Elves, Gil-galad is a character with deep roots in Tolkien’s mythology, representing wisdom, leadership, and the complex moral dilemmas of his race. In my interview with Walker, he shared his journey of stepping into Gil-galad’s shoes, the intense preparation required, and how he navigates the challenge of bringing such a revered character to life.

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Gil-galad is fear inducing

When asked about his initial reaction to landing the role in the Rings of Power, Walker’s response was candid. “Uh, fear,” he admits with a laugh. “The task is daunting, also because as a fan myself and from boyhood that there’s a level of respect that the literature demands.” Walker, like many fans of Tolkien’s work, feels a deep reverence for the source material, which made the prospect of portraying such a significant character both exhilarating and intimidating. “It’s one of those pinch me moments that happen once or twice in an entire career. And you have to attempt it,” he reflects.

Benjamin Walker’s acting career began with theater, where he honed his craft on stage before making a transition to film and television. His breakout role as the title character in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter showcased his ability to blend intensity with depth, a combination that would serve him well in his portrayal of Gil-galad. Walker’s experience includes a range of performances, from the historical to the fantastical, making him a versatile actor capable of taking on the layered role of the Elven king.

Preparing for Tolkien’s world

For Walker, the preparation for Gil-galad was both rigorous and rewarding. “The preparation was a joy because it’s rereading the books,” he says, emphasizing the importance of delving deep into Tolkien’s world to fully grasp the character’s significance. “The more you understand about the history of Middle-earth that he would have lived through and endured, that help form him into the leader that he becomes.” This connection to Tolkien’s text allowed Walker to shape his portrayal with authenticity, grounding Gil-galad’s wisdom and leadership in the character’s long and storied history.

One of the most compelling aspects of Gil-galad in the Rings of Power, according to Walker, is his leadership style. “He’s the kind of leader that we today wish we had,” Walker notes, pointing out that Gil-galad’s experience and patience make him a ruler who seeks peace but is unafraid to fight when necessary. “He works as hard as he can to not fight and for everyone to get along,” Walker says, highlighting the King’s desire to avoid conflict while maintaining the strength to lead his people through dark times.

Reflecting on his preparation for the role, Walker shares, “Luckily, I have an incredible cast around… and you see the army of craftsmen and writers and technicians that are the best in the world, and you feel instantly supported.” This sense of camaraderie on set helped Walker embody Gil-galad’s calm and composed demeanor, as well as his occasional need to assert his authority. “There are moments where he has to crack the whip and say, no, no crowns on my head, do what I said,” Walker explains, illustrating the balance Gil-galad must strike between being a mentor and a ruler.

Gil-galad, the challenge of a lifetime

Walker’s admiration for Tolkien’s work is evident throughout the interview, as he discusses the joy of revisiting the books that first captivated him as a child. “It’s nice to revisit those stories, to revisit literature because… my brother gave me The Hobbit when I was not even a teenager,” he recalls. This personal connection to Tolkien’s world deepens Walker’s portrayal of Gil-galad, adding layers of nostalgia and reverence to his performance. “My experience of reading that now versus then, it’s a testament to Tolkien’s writing… it illuminates something new,” he adds, highlighting the timeless nature of Tolkien’s storytelling.

However, stepping into the role of an ancient Elven king in the Rings of Power series comes with its challenges. Walker acknowledges that Gil-galad’s longevity and wisdom can sometimes make him seem distant or unrelatable. “The challenge of him is to find what does get under his skin, what does make him panic? When he’s lived thousands of years… what actually makes him excited or afraid?” Walker sees this as an opportunity to explore the vulnerabilities of a seemingly unflappable character, bringing a sense of humanity to the immortal High King.

The dichotomy of Gil-galad’s character—both a peace-time counselor and a warrior capable of great deeds—is what excites Walker most about the role. “He is the peace-time consigliere with one of the most famous weapons in the legendarium,” Walker notes. “It’s nice to go between the two… the pontificating leader in fancy garb who gets to throw his cape off and go get muddy and cut some Orcs’ heads off.” This versatility makes Gil-galad one of the more dynamic characters in The Rings of Power, and Walker relishes the chance to portray both sides of his personality.

Deep respect

For fans watching Walker’s portrayal of Gil-galad, he hopes to evoke a deep respect for the character’s place in Middle-earth’s history. “Selfishly, for the loyal fans, I want them to go, oh, he’s done his research,” Walker says, underscoring his commitment to honoring Tolkien’s vision. While there are limits to how much of the text can be translated to the screen, Walker is determined to include “little Easter egg gifts to people that are as obsessed with it as we are.” These details, he hopes, will resonate with die-hard fans who appreciate the depth and care put into the series.

As The Rings of Power continues to unfold, Benjamin Walker’s portrayal of Gil-galad stands as a testament to the rich complexity of Tolkien’s characters. With a combination of reverence for the source material and a deep understanding of his character’s motivations, Walker brings the High King of the Elves to life in a way that honors Tolkien’s legacy while offering new insights into one of Middle-earth’s most intriguing leaders. The Rings of Power season 2 kicks off on Prime August 29.