There was no other fantasy trilogy quite like Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings – as Stephen Colbert himself tells Astin when the actor who will forever be renowned for playing Samwise, or Sam, came onto his show.

In fact, the two barely spoke at all about his latest appearance in hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which we also love but, c’mon – it’s Sam!) turning their attention instead to the trilogy that commenced 16 years ago.

Astin shared a few behind-the-scenes titbits of note such as his not knowing anything about J.R.R. Tolkien’s books when he got the part and that some (unnamed) cast members didn’t even read the books once they got the parts! Astin also revealed his own favourite characters, which you might be surprised by.

Check it out: