If you're any kind of actor, getting the call for something related to The Lord of the Rings is likely up there as far as a dream opportunity. As rumors circulate about Kingdom Come: Deliverance developer Warhorse Studios delving into Middle-earth, the man behind that RPG's protagonist is making it known he'd happily step into the land of Hobbits and Elves.
Speaking to Radio Times Gaming at this year's BAFTA Games Awards, Tom McKay, the voice of Henry in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance games, discussed the possibility of joining JRR Tolkien's universe in some way. Which character would he play? "There are loads, those worlds are filled with such incredibly rich, complex characters," he starts.
"Definitely, an Aragorn vibe would be great," he continues, "but there are so many. And actually, if I were to do it – and I'm flattered to think that anyone would want me to do it – I'd probably nudge it away from the Henry vibes a little bit. I quite like playing a broad palette of characters."
It might be a typical answer, but Aragorn is the character many dream of portraying or embodying in some shape or form. Who doesn't want to be the grizzled, principled hero who leads the forces of good against the armies of evil, all to help protect the glimmer of hope that remains in this cursed world?
But on the other hand, The Lord of the Rings has such a vibrant roster of heroes and villains, there are many options for meaty, interesting performances. The interviewer suggests Pippin, and that'd be a strong avenue for McKay to explore.
I like that McKay's keen not to be typecast as the underdog hero. It's all too easy to take roles like Henry and then always seek to be the central figure in a narrative, whereas The Lord of the Rings is truly an ensemble cast. Should this Warhorse project be real, the studio would be fools of a took not to consider him for something – he's part of their fellowship now.
