interview by JANA LETONJA
Daniel Weyman returns as Gandalf in the highly anticipated third season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, arriving on Prime Video on 11th November. After two seasons of mystery surrounding his character, audiences finally saw the Stranger revealed as the iconic wizard at the end of season two. Now, he steps fully into one of fantasy’s most beloved roles, exploring Gandalf’s earliest adventures and the journey that shapes him into the wise, compassionate figure generations of fans know and love. With the series becoming Prime Video’s biggest debut ever, watched by more than 185 million viewers worldwide, and earning dozens of award nominations, expectations for season three couldn’t be higher.
The reveal that the Stranger was Gandalf was one of the biggest moments of last season. How long had you known, and what was it like finally being able to talk about it?
It was such a great moment. I saw it in a packed cinema with fans of the show and there was a real electricity that grew through the scene, as if people knew something was coming. When The Stranger realises that others will call him Gandalf, there was an audible pleasure in the auditorium and a spontaneous round of applause. It was quite a moving moment for me having lived with the Stranger for nearly 5 years by that point.
I only found out at the end of filming Season 2, so not far in advance of the audience. It’s been so liberating to be able to talk about the character now that we know how he will be known. I can finally express my understanding of what he’s going through.
You’ve spent two seasons playing a character shrouded in mystery. Has it changed your performance now that you’re openly playing Gandalf?
Season 3 has jumped forward in time and so the Gandalf we find is a different proposition from where we left The Stranger. Where The Stranger was desperate to solve the problems he was confronted by, and was unsettled by the weight of expectation he felt, Gandalf has arrived grown into the fully formed wizard we know him to be, capable of wielding huge powers but understanding now that his purpose is not to make Middle Earth good, but to try to help guide Middle Earth towards the light by being true to his values and seeking out the good in others.
This season explores Gandalf before he becomes the wizard audiences know from The Lord of the Rings. How do you approach portraying such an iconic character at an earlier stage of his life?
I’ve been lucky to play this character from his inception on Middle Earth. He landed with nothing, no memory, no language, no obvious purpose, but over the seasons, I have discovered the character as he has, through his interactions with other beings, notably the Harfoots. That meant I had nearly a complete jigsaw for Gandalf by the last time we saw The Stanger, and what I have had to find in the intervening period is Gandalf’s understanding that he cannnot control everything, that he cannot hold back all tides, that his greatest power may be how his personality can affect those around him.
What aspects of Gandalf’s personality were most important for you to establish in this younger version?
The things I really enjoyed developing are Gandalf’s sense of time, of eternity, of his ability to almost slow time when confronted with a huge obstacle. I’ve loved discovering his sense of mischief and fun, his ability to be light of heart even in extreme situations, because he knows that his best chance of success is by bringing all of himself to the moment. He now trusts himself and this gives him a grounded confidence, not that everything will always work out, but that he is doing all he can.
Fans have spent years theorising about the Stranger’s identity. Did you ever enjoy reading the speculation, or was it safer to stay away from it?
I was always humbled when reading fans share and debate traits they recognised in The Stranger. It was clear to me how, even when opinions differed, people were able to back up their theories with parts of Tolkien's stories that had resonated with them. It reinforced how important the books are to so many people, how much joy they bring.
What has surprised you most about stepping into one of the most recognisable roles in fantasy?
To be honest, this role is so well known and loved, and is so present in my cultural life, that I am consistently surprised that I have the opportunity to become him. I’m not sure it will ever feel normal, and I think that’s probably a really good thing.
How has joining The Lord of the Rings family changed your life, both professionally and personally?
Being a part of Tolkein’s universe has been really nourishing and fulfilling. I’ve met some of the most wonderful people both in the cast and crew, but also around the world as we hear how it resonates with so many people with such varied experiences.
It’s always a nice ice breaker in a meeting to talk about being involved in The Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power, and I’ve met and worked with a whole bunch of talented creatives I might not have had the chance to work with without it.
You’ve had a wonderfully varied career across theatre, television and film. Do you consciously seek out projects that challenge you in different ways?
I really enjoy being able to pretend, make believe and imagine in my work, and rather than me having some grand plan, I try to find ways of accessing those things in the work that comes to me.
What brings you the most joy when you’re not working?
I love the changing colours of the day, the time of night when silhouettes are razor sharp. I really enjoy watching storytellers at the top of their game, whether on a hit TV show or a local theatre. At this time of year in the UK, I feel full of joy on a windy day trying to catch billowing leaves as they get blown from the trees. Also, collecting a few freshly fallen conkers, the rich colours as they emerge from their spiky shells, I get lost in them.
What’s something people are always surprised to learn about you?
Since working on The Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power, I’ve spent at least half of my time having a large beard. People who meet me when I’m clean shaven are often surprised to learn that I play Gandalf.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography DAVID REISS
hair CHARLIE CULLEN
styling TOM O'DELL
