Andy Serkis responds to criticism that the Lord of the Rings film franchise has predominantly featured white casts. In interviews with BBC News, the actor and director—who has provided the voice and motion-capture performance for Gollum and is directing the new film The Hunt for Gollum—was asked why earlier movies did not embrace broader casting diversity. He points to aspects of Tolkien’s source material, saying it is influenced by Norse mythology and describing the Shire as feeling “very, very much” like a white setting. Serkis also characterizes the central characters as focused on their borders and says they “know they don’t want people coming in,” adding that the new film is “somewhat acknowledging” prior criticisms. He states he does not plan to use “politically correct” casting done solely for appearance or “ticking boxes,” but instead will address diversity “where relevant.” Reporting also notes that The Rings of Power, Amazon Prime Video’s prequel series, has been more diverse, and Sir Lenny Henry has attributed that to modern audiences wanting representation, while noting differences between the books’ descriptions and contemporary storytelling.