It’s clear that this Autumn the fantasy genre is reigning supreme, in large part thanks to the premiere of the long-awaited show The Rings of Power. The epic series - based on the writings of the legendary author J.R.R. Tolkien, and set thousands of years before the events taking place in his famed book The Lord of the Rings - has been gathering international attention thanks to its spectacular visuals (and budget).

For Tyroe Muhafidin, a 17-year-old Australian actor for whom the show marks his first big role on screen, the grand scale of operating has been an incredibly helpful tool to enter this far-from-reality universe. “It was amazing to see how the production had every single base covered,” says Tyroe. “It just made everything so easy and [as actors] we were able to concentrate on telling the best story that we could.”

Following the series’ global premiere circuit, we caught up with Tyroe about acting with elves, fake crying, and his much-discussed fashion sense.

The Rings of Power is part of the epic fantasy The Lord of the Rings universe. Did you know much about this cultural phenomenon prior to starring in the show?

No, not really! My dad was a fan of the series so I knew of it, but I’m younger than the trilogy itself, so I didn’t really grow up on it. However, once I got the role, I did a deep dive – I watched the trilogy, read The Hobbit, and saw a lot of the LOTR YouTube videos to keep myself in check. So I’m definitely a fan now!

What surprised you the most about this world?

How vast, detailed, and specific it is, and how it all came from just one mind! Middle-earth is almost like another planet and another history on its own. We could probably have tests in school on it, that’s how specific it is! It’s incredible and so unique.

And what were the biggest challenges when stepping into it?

I think the biggest challenge was getting out of this world we’re in! Doing the scenes in front of these magical creatures like elves and orcs was crazy, but the fact that the set design was so realistic made it easy to use my imagination. And then once I got into it, I was fully immersed and fell in love with it.

The show is one of the most expensive productions in the history of TV. What amazed you the most about being part of such a grand series?

The fact that they built entire villages and cities for us to shoot in. In the village where my character and his family live, there were even locations that we never ended up shooting in – they were there just in case we needed them. It was amazing to see how the production had every single base covered – it just made everything so easy and [as actors] we were able to concentrate on telling the best story that we could.

Which scene for you was the most memorable to shoot?

There was a scene where I had to cry, and I have never done that in front of the camera before. I got the script saying that I will have to do it six months in advance, and I spent a lot of that time trying to get into that emotion. On the day of the shoot, I had great support from the crew and my mom – who was with me on set – and they all really helped me unlock that feeling. Now, I think I’m pretty good at fake crying! [Laughs]

Over the course of the premiere circuit for the series, you got a lot of recognition for your bold style statements. Are you a fan of fashion?

Yes, I’m totally into it! I’ve got a great stylist, Parker Harwood, and throughout the press tour, we worked on showing that I care about how I look and what clothes I wear. My philosophy is that if I look good, I feel good, and if I feel good, I do good.

Which of the looks was your favourite?

It was the suit by The Incorporated, paired with a balaclava and Alexander McQueen shoes, that I wore to the global premiere. It was actually a homage to the late Virgil Abloh and the look he wore to the 2021 MET Gala. Parker and I have been so inspired by his work and we decided that it was a great moment to pay tribute to him.

Whose style do you look to the most for inspiration?

My older brother’s – he’s the one who got me into fashion! He’s got an amazing sense of style and he would always come back home with great finds after going shopping on the weekend. We didn’t grow up with much money, but we learned how to make it work with what we had. Anytime I put together an outfit, I always ask him what he thinks of it! He really inspires me.

Having this amazing first big experience, what are your dream roles to play now?

I really want to be a Power Ranger.

Which one?

That’s what I’m not sure about. I don’t know if I want to be the red one because that’s a lot of pressure. [Laughs] I just know that I want to be a Power Ranger and I hope that it’ll happen one day.

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

Grooming by Ruth Fernandez

All clothes Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello