Part 6/9:
Perhaps most contentious is the explicit push for diversity and inclusion, which seems to be a primary motivation behind many creative decisions. Sophia Namvat, a star of the series, articulated that her character—a Black female dwarf—serves as a “face of necessary redress,” meant to create “accessibility for generations to come.”
This modern approach, critics claim, directly conflicts with Tolkien’s original depiction of Middle-earth as a universe rooted in a specific mythology and racial characterizations. By inserting contemporary social themes—a diverse cast—some argue the series is erasing or diluting Tolkien’s intent and cultural background.