Sean Astin reflects on why The Lord of the Rings fans love Sam so much, in a recent interview. Astin played the role of Samwise ‘Sam’ Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Released in three volumes, The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003). The movies are considered a classic of modern cinema, and were hugely successful, grossing a total of $2.99 billion and winning a combined 17 Academy Award nominations.
As a child actor, Astin made his feature film debut playing the role of Mikey in the children’s adventure classic The Goonies(1985). He enjoyed appearances in other successful movies such as Rudy (1993), and Courage Under Fire (1996), before joining The Lord of the Rings cast in the role of Sam, the stalwart best friend of main character Frodo Baggins, who accompanied him on his journey to Mount Doom to destroy the Ring of Power. Evolving into a strong and reliable character, Sam became a fan favorite among The Lord of the Rings enthusiasts.
And Astin has often spoken fondly of the character, and the impact he has had on fans’ lives, and how Sam’s relationship with Frodo has helped many through the struggles in their own lives. Speaking in an interview with Post-Gazette, the Stranger Things actor talked about his most famous role, as well as what he believes to be the enduring appeal of Sam as a character. Read the comments from the 50-year-old below:
“Some of the speeches Samwise gets to deliver, there are just certain phrases that just feel like home. They feel safe, warm, protective. There’s something about the way they come out and the context that is like a song. It’s like a warm blanket sitting by the fire for people. I got to do that. What a blessing.”
Throughout the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Sam remained dedicated to both the mission to destroy the One Ring and his friends. Even when things seemed extremely dire, he had a way of inspiring others to push through adversity. One notable example comes towards the end of The Two Towers, as he tries to convince Frodo there’s still good left in the world worth fighting for. Sam’s bond with Frodo is an extremely poignant depiction of friendship, and it isn’t a stretch to say Frodo never would have made it to Mt. Doom if Sam wasn’t by his side. The burden of being the Ring bearer wore heavy on Frodo, but Sam never gave up and made sure he did whatever he could to aid his companion.
Astin no doubt looks back fondly on the role of Samwise Gamgee, and seems to be open to answering the same kinds of questions about his character, and his time on the show, both from fans and in interviews. Being a part of something so iconic as an actor is a really great way of stamping your legacy on the industry, and appearing in The Lord of the Rings all but guarantees that for him. Whether or not he will ever revisit his best-known role, even by way of a retrospective or reunion, remains unclear, but Astin will not appear in the Lord of the Rings TV show. And, with the Californian having a busy schedule over the next year, it seems likely that fans will have to make the most of these moments of nostalgia as opposed to waiting for any future Sam news.
