Original-Cin Chat: David Wenham - LOTR's Faramir - on the Fellowship at Fan Expo and Pal Hugh Jackman

By John Kirk

By John Kirk

One of the main attractions at the recent Fan Expo Canada 2026, was the attendance of various cast from the epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings. Their presence kept the fantasy feel going, much to the delight of the fans.

Original-Cin talked with David Wenham, aka Faramir, about his contributions to the fantasy genre. Was it his favourite one?

“It’s an interesting question.” He began. “It’s not one that I would have normally gravitated towards. But strangely, it’s gravitated towards me over my career. I have loved being involved in these movies.”

But his favourite?

“Oh, comedy. I love the things that make me laugh. I love a really good comedy.”

Wenham has played wonderful fantasy characters in the past. Dilios from 300, Friar Carl in Van Helsing with fellow Aussie, Hugh Jackman, and of course, Lord Faramir in The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

There is something distinctively different about sharing a fantasy film. Did he foresee how the longevity of those relationships would match the longevity of fantasy films?

“Yeah, I suppose it’s a two-way thing. Films that have found their place in popular culture, and I’m very grateful for that, to be part of them and their long life.” 

And the friendships?

“Well, as I said, those roles just seem to find me. It’s not like I’ve sorted them out that way but that’s the really interesting thing about it all.”

You have John Rhys-Davies, the Hobbits, all here with you. What’s that like to re-unite with them?”

“It’s extraordinary. The fact that that film (series), in particular, will keep going, and that it will always seem to keep on going, even after we will all have passed on. We will keep going too. It has created those relationships. I’m grateful for that.”

We talked about Van Helsing and the endurance of fantasy.

“One of the other entries into fantasy I did was Van Helsing. What’s funny about that is that I did that film more than 25 years ago. Now, 25 years later, more people have seen that film than when it was first released.”

If ever there was a film that lived long enough to attract a new generation of viewers.

“I’ve had people coming up to me here, they’re 21 or 22 years old, saying that it was their favourite film. How can that be, when it looks like you weren’t even born when it was made!”

Of course, it was because it clearly showcased the better-looking Australian actor.

“Yeah! There you go! thank you! (Laughs)!”

Before and after Van Helsing, Jackman and Wenham have been fast friends. Jackman has said that “David is the funniest guy on the planet,” and that they were usually in competition for roles. But one of the aspects of fantasy films is that they cement bonds.

“The film has definitely become a cult classic.” Wenham added.

Turning back to Lord of the Rings, he added this:

“It’s such an incredible story and the film lived up to the expectations. It’s always going to appeal to the fans.”

And the actors who will maintain their friendships even after film production.

“They will. We will.” David agreed.