Charlie Vickers on Sauron, Tom Cruise Freediving and Comedy Roles 2026

Charlie Vickers, the actor behind Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, recently sat down for a wide-ranging interview that covered everything from Tom Cruise's freediving antics to his amateur turn as Basil Fawlty. The headline, as Vickers himself puts it, is that Tom Cruise cheated at freediving.

Tom Cruise and the Freediving Cheat

In the interview, Vickers was asked about a story involving Tom Cruise and freediving. While the exact details of the incident are not fully elaborated, Vickers clearly finds it noteworthy. The idea that Cruise, known for his intense dedication to practical stunts, might have cut corners in a freediving challenge is a surprising claim.

Freediving requires immense breath control and mental discipline, and Cruise has often been associated with high-adrenaline activities. Vickers' comment adds a playful twist to the actor's reputation. It also highlights the camaraderie and competitive banter that can occur among actors.

From Basil Fawlty to Sauron: Vickers' Early Comedy Days

Before he became the Dark Lord, Vickers played Basil Fawlty in an amateur student production of Fawlty Towers at Queen's College in Melbourne. He admits his moustache was terrible—real but coloured in, leaving holes in his beard. He had also shaved his head, so early promo posters show him wearing a wig.

The production faced its own challenges: the theatre was closed, forcing them to perform in a circus tent in the middle of winter on an oval in the university grounds. Vickers notes that the chaotic setting was "all very Fawlty Towers." Despite the amateur nature, his love for comedy shines through.

What Does Charlie Vickers Consider Wholly Evil?

Tolkien described Sauron as "represents as near an approach to the wholly evil will as is possible." When asked what he considers wholly evil, Vickers points to "a complete disregard for the feelings and wellbeing of other people." He emphasizes that it's about intention.

He then recalls a personal experience: playing Aussie rules football at 17, where he felt bullied for not being aggressive or "manly" enough. People tried to dent his confidence for no reason, which he now sees as a form of evil. That it's the only thing that comes to mind, he says, is probably a good sign.

The Rings of Power and Sauron's Future

Vickers also muses on a potential spin-off featuring Sauron and Celebrimbor as an odd couple. While said in jest, it reflects his deep engagement with the lore and his character. The dynamic between Sauron and Celebrimbor is central to the forging of the Rings of Power, and fans are eager to see how it unfolds. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles. A related thread runs through Tom Cruise's Digger Flop: What It Means for Hollywood.

As the series progresses, Vickers' portrayal of Sauron continues to evolve, bringing nuance to a character often seen as purely evil. His insights into the character's motivations add depth to the performance. Earlier coverage in Tom Rhys Harries on Playing DC Villain Clayface shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Tom Cruise Doomscrolling Intervention: The Viral Cure for Screen.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

• Charlie Vickers claims Tom Cruise cheated at freediving, calling it the headline.
• Vickers played Basil Fawlty in an amateur production with a terrible moustache and a circus tent venue.
• He defines wholly evil as a complete disregard for others' feelings and wellbeing.
• He recalls being bullied in Aussie rules football as a personal example of evil.
• Vickers jokes about a Sauron and Celebrimbor odd-couple spin-off.

Vickers' Career at a Glance

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