The Elven Hero of Rings of Power Wanted His Action to Feel Like Anime

“I love the way anime characters run. I love the postures and the grandeur, and the storytelling of not only anime, but Asian cinema, martial arts,” says Córdova. It was definitely on his mind when he tried to approach Arondir as he jumped out of a tree to fight off some bandits. “It’s like this beautiful, very meaningful, physical language that comes out of anime and martial arts.”

Córdova himself is a big fan of anime, especially Demon Slayer (And especially Rengoku). He says there are plenty more anime-informed moments throughout the season (and he’s refraining from naming them all for now, due to spoilers). But in episode 3, Córdova definitely acknowledges how Arondir is going full-on anime, both as an action movie star and as a person going through some highs and lows — think Demon Slayer or Attack on Titan.

“Pilot (episodes like this) — everything happens, with so much intensity. And these characters either have to succumb or be,” says Córdova. “It’s that moment (…) Episode 3, again, Arondir is faced with another turning point.”

Although this is only the second season, it’s clear that Arondir’s anime protagonist’s journey is only just beginning: he’s lost the woman he loves, has a complicated relationship with the son she left behind, and is now at open war with the forces of evil.

Whether he goes Super Saiyan on orcs—let alone Sauron—remains to be seen. But with any luck, we’ll at least get a fancam of Arondir’s anime opening.