As a fan of both acting and storytelling, I find myself utterly captivated by the journey of Morfydd Clark, the Welsh actress who has made her mark in the world of fantasy and horror genres. With her distinctive blend of strength and vulnerability, she breathes life into the complex characters she portrays, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
English actress Morfydd Clark is known for portraying peculiar and disquieting roles in productions such as Saint Maud, Dracula, and His Dark Materials.
Since 2022, she’s played the role of Galadriel in Prime Video’s JRR Tolkien adaptation The Rings of Power.
In the second season, the renowned Elf warrior, who was portrayed powerfully by Cate Blanchett (in her older role), finds herself weakened yet determined to confront an impending evil.
Here’s what the star had to say about what’s in store…
Morfydd, as you take on the role of Elf Galadriel, you’re stepping into the shoes once filled by Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett. Did you seek her guidance in any way?
“To be honest, I didn’t contact her myself – it’s hard for me to wrap my head around that fact! In fact, I hadn’t realized I was cast as Galadriel until two weeks into our time in New Zealand.”
Initially, I was certain that I was an Elf, yet it remained a mystery to me. When they revealed the truth to me, I reacted as if they were insane and longed to return home. However, after a moment’s pause, I realized that I had been preparing for this role for years, having been captivated by those movies.
“It’s truly heartening – though I’m unsure if you’ve witnessed much of my previous endeavors, they often lead to my demise and hardship. Yet, learning from the tales that I survive and find tranquility in Lothlórien brings a sense of comfort.”
Before that, though, where do we find Galadriel in this second season?
It appears a terrible event has transpired, and unfortunately, she bears a significant responsibility in it. Consequently, her self-image has crumbled, and she’s been deeply betrayed. However, this immense evil (Sauron) has resurfaced, leaving her with no time to pause and tend to her own wellbeing.
“She seems to be like an injured creature, constantly needing to flee. She’s been thoroughly tested and worn down. I guess you could say she’s inviting you to witness her pain once more.”
In your words, how did it feel to delve deeper into the morally ambiguous aspects of her character, since she unintentionally allowed Sauron to gain power through the Rings?
“Being rather shy, I found myself more cautious, almost warning-like with Elrond. Yet, I admire the way they’ve handled it in this adaptation, as a recurring theme in Tolkien’s work is hope. Galadriel possesses this hope because she understands better than anyone else now the horrific consequences of Sauron’s power.”
It appears that her determination seems to be fueled by hope, an attribute that truly deserves respect. However, it’s not hard to imagine Elrond viewing her actions as rebellious. Currently, she’s taking steps, not just for her own sake, but for a larger purpose.
Is there less pressure coming back for a second run, your feet under the table?
Absolutely. When I began, I had no idea how many people would be on set. On the initial day, I was taken aback, exclaiming something like, “Wow, this is just like opening night at a theater!” Now, I feel much more comfortable and settled in the filming environment.
What are the main difficulties involved in producing a show like this? Are they related to the action sequences, acting, or the immense size of it all? Does pressure from external viewers play a role as well?
“I’d describe it as a blend of various aspects. Filming seems to involve both actors and crew in something that requires an enormous amount of time. Consequently, to fully engage in the process, one must essentially let go of other commitments and fully dedicate oneself to it. This can prove to be quite demanding.”
From an outsider’s perspective, I find it necessary to disengage myself completely while engaging in such activities, for I firmly believe that’s where chaos dwells, and I prefer to keep a distance.
You can’t be thinking about how someone else thinks about it.
“Yeah. And, through that, it’s about really trusting your directors.”
Were you a big fantasy fan before joining the show?
Absolutely! School wasn’t my cup of tea as I found it restrictive due to my energetic and mischievous nature. Instead, I adored escaping into magical realms of my imagination, where I could indulge in exciting adventures and being silent was not a necessity.
“What I adore most in fantasy isn’t merely the presence of unique magic systems or exotic beasts, although I do enjoy those elements. It’s about stories that establish a fresh normality, and it was these narratives that provided an escape for me during my childhood and teenage years.”
What kind of fantasy were you reading back then?
I hail from Sweden, like Astrid Lindgren, who is renowned for creating Pippi Longstocking. However, her literary portfolio extends beyond this iconic character, encompassing works such as “Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter.” This story follows a spirited girl adventuring through the woods and unfolds as a unique love tale between two rival robber clans. The narrative is richly infused with magical elements.
“Additionally, ‘The Brothers Lionheart’ tells the story of siblings who repeatedly die only to be reborn in various realms. Remarkably, they always manage to reunite. This is a deeply moving tale about the bond between brothers.”
“At the moment, I’m really into Robin Hobb. I’m currently taking a pause from The Ship of Destiny.”
Were you already deeply immersed in Tolkien’s works prior to starting the first season, or did you find yourself learning more about him during that time?
As a child, I enjoyed reading “The Hobbit.” Later on, I listened to an audiobook version of “The Lord of the Rings.” Afterward, my fascination for these stories deepened, leading me to become quite captivated by their film adaptations.
Initially, I considered myself well-informed on the subject. However, upon further investigation, I was astonished by the vastness of what he had penned and the extensive body of work that has been produced about him. There are numerous facets it delves into, including philosophical questions his work provokes.
“I hadn’t realized how deeply valued he is among environmentalists. This piece seems like a heartfelt ode to the natural world. Reading it gives me such satisfaction, knowing that my work is part of something that will continue to resonate. It’s truly captivating. His world was so unique and distinctive.”
Is it challenging to stay updated with all the tales, additional details, and backstory since there’s so much of it?
It seems I must embrace the reality that I will continue to learn rather than teach, which has been a delightful aspect of engaging with the Tolkien community. Previously, we encountered numerous individuals who possess an extensive knowledge about all things Tolkien, many of whom hold academic positions as professors in this field.
“There’s an eagerness to learn from him, isn’t there? I believe this is due to the thought-provoking philosophical questions he poses, making everyone’s perspectives truly intriguing.”
You’ve spoken before about your dyslexia and ADHD – does it make it hard to learn reams of Elvish?
“Not at all! Funny enough, memorizing lines has never been a challenge for me. I consider myself fortunate because it’s not something that typically causes me a great deal of stress.”
As a fortunate fan, I found myself at an advantage with Elvish, as I spoke Welsh. Their sounds are somewhat alike, making the learning process smoother for me. The lifestyle I’ve adopted seems tailor-made for those with dyslexia and ADHD. It’s a rhythmic dance of tasks, interspersed with brief pauses, rather than a constant, uninterrupted grind.
With numerous television productions such as Doctor Who and Industry being filmed in Wales, does it make you feel proud, given your Welsh background?
It’s quite amusing that the series “Industry” is filmed there. Indeed, it’s delightful. Interestingly, I know many individuals who work or are associated with the film industry, and surprisingly, most of them didn’t anticipate it. I believe this is because people underestimate the variety of jobs available in television production. It’s fascinating to see how some can thrive in their roles without having to relocate from Wales, where many of my friends chose to stay and have no intention of leaving.
It’s delightful to see an increase in opportunities arising these days. Not only is the location stunning, but it seems fitting that it’s being utilized. I have a feeling there’s something unique about filming with a crew where everyone knows someone who’s like family. That sense of familiarity keeps things comfortable too! It’s refreshing to be part of such a close-knit community.
In your upcoming movie, Starve Acre, you’re working with Matt Smith, who’s currently starring in Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. I wonder if you two shared tales from your respective fantasy worlds during your collaboration.
Absolutely! Many of us were expressing our discomfort with the armor, commenting that it’s quite awkward, especially when trying to find a comfortable position during breaks in filming.
This wig is itchy….
Absolutely! I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with Matt. It seems like fate brought us together because he made it clear from the start that our work would be enjoyable. Given it was my initial venture, and he had some experience in this field (specifically Doctor Who), it was quite serendipitous. Notably, for a while now, we’ve both been sporting blonde wigs and tumbling around in armor – an amusing coincidence indeed!
After that, I found it truly enjoyable working on Starve Ace, despite its diminutive size. Essentially, we worked on a single set, leaving enough space for everyone to comfortably gather in one room.
You do a lot of horror, a lot of period stuff – do you ever worry about getting pigeon-holed?
To be honest, I find it hard to accept that I’m working. I didn’t have a clear plan for my career, and I just hoped I would be able to find some form of employment.
“I’m fortunate because, if there’s any category I appear to fit into at the moment, it seems rather unusual, and this continues to intrigue me.”
In our previous conversation, you mentioned that the female characters you portray on stage tend to be more intriguing than those in film. Has this perspective shifted over time?
It appears that we’re witnessing an increase in the portrayal of unusual and unconventional females, as well as more fear-inducing female characters on the screen.
“We need to view it as an ongoing process rather than something that can be completed. There will always be new challenges to tackle, so it’s essential for people outside to keep advocating and pushing forward. At the same time, those on the inside must continue to open doors, making our work increasingly captivating.”
Is it your perception that you’re championing or representing an unconventional femininity in works such as Starve Acre, along with your other horror productions, for instance?
“I suppose that’s accurate. It can feel a bit strange when you’ve been acting for some time and suddenly become aware of your specific casting type. I guess the term ‘odd, unsettling, disconcerting’ captures it well. Does that reflect how I come across? However, I enjoy taking on those roles, and I’m thrilled to be part of this project!”
Before wrapping up our discussion on The Lord of the Rings, let me share some insights about the upcoming Season 3. Have there been any clues or teasers that you’re aware of?
We recognize there are certain pivotal points we must reach in the storyline. For instance, the first episode of this season marks one such moment with the Elves receiving their Rings. However, we’re unsure about the path that will lead us to these significant instances.
It’s a bit aggravating because even though we understand there’s this small team brainstorming and creating, including talented writers and showrunners, we’re still in the dark, waiting for them to share their work with us. I can’t wait to see it!
A condensed version of this interview appears in the latest issue of TopMob magazine.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be diving back into the captivating world of Middle Earth as The Rings of Power season 2 premieres on Amazon Prime Video on August 29th! If you haven’t experienced this magical journey yet, now’s your chance. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial and join me on this epic adventure!
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2024-08-28 10:35