Amazon's Lord Of The Rings: Fan-Casting Every (Possible) Major Role

Orlando Bloom was a relative newcomer before Jackson cast him as Legolas. Joe Alwyn, with comparable good looks, is a noteworthy novice who's played both a determined soldier and unwavering friend before. He'd be an exemplary choice to explore Legolas' valiant beginnings.

It's easy to dismiss Legolas as the handsome archer and envision the casting process for him as a beauty competition. These notions take away from the fact that Legolas is still a figure of great valor in the Rings stories.

As a soldier grappling with PTSD, Alwyn amazed theatergoers in Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. Alwyn depicts the lingering cost of war for an army specialist with sincere conviction. Billy rescues his wounded brother in the heat of a dangerous firefight, much like Legolas protects those he loves in both The Hobbit and Rings trilogy.

The prequel would be a fortuitous place to analyze the belief systems and politics of Legolas' elven community. Prejudice divided Legolas and Gimli in The Fellowship of the Ring and drove a wedge between the members of the Council. Alwyn would be familiar with such political turmoil after his participation in Mary Queen of Scots. He plays Robert Dudley, Queen Elizabeth's lover who later seeks her execution. If the series delves into Legolas' identity as a prince, somewhat tackled in The Hobbit, Alwyn would excel due to his experience with films about political unrest.

If the series wishes to cultivate growth in the gallant elf, the bow should be passed to Alwyn.