Back in September, it was reported that Black Mirror actor Will Poulter had been cast in Amazon's very intriguing The Lord of the Rings prequel series. But now Variety brings news that the 26-year-old Brit has exited the project.

Poulter, also known for movies including Midsommar and Captain Fantastic, had been lined up for an unknown lead role in the ambitious-sounding series, but scheduling difficulties have apparently forced him to withdraw.

Don't worry too much: the Lord of the Rings prequel series still has four actors attached to it: Markella Kavenagh (The Cry), Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones' Benjen Stark), Maxim Baldry (Years and Years), and Ema Horvath (Like. Share. Follow.). None of their character names have been revealed yet.

Though Amazon Studios signed a deal worth a rumored $250 million with J.R.R. Tolkien's estate back in November 2017, the prequel series remains shrouded in secrecy. Amazon has committed to producing at least five seasons of the prequel, though, and it's understood that the action will take place in the "Second Age" of Tolkien's universe.

Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay have confirmed that the series, like Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies, will be shot in New Zealand. In a statement, they called it the perfect place to convey the “primordial beauty of the Second Age of Middle Earth.” We also know that the first two episodes will be directed by J.A. Bayona (Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom, The Orphanage).

Meanwhile, we recently rounded up a selection of the Will Poulter performances that have made him a young actor to watch.

Are you disappointed that Will Poulter has left the Lord of the Rings prequel series?