Amazon Prime Video triumphantly returned to Middle-earth in 2024 with season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, and now their epic J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation has scored a third season. Set long before the events of The Lord of the Rings, Rings of Power chronicles the Second Age of Middle-earth history and centers on the various kingdoms attempting to stave off the rising evil that will eventually lead to their downfall. Separate from Peter Jackson’s legendary trilogy of films (and his Hobbit trilogy as well), Rings of Power offers a fresh take on Middle-earth.
Season 1 of Rings of Power was a taste of what was to come as the true identity of Sauron was revealed, and the forging of the rings began. This set the stage for an even larger sophomore outing, but the show’s development languished for more than two years as it faced a myriad of delays. Finally, season 2 arrived in late-summer 2024, and maintained a positive critical reception, even if audience reaction was still mixed (via Rotten Tomatoes). The franchise’s ratings potential makes season 3 an obvious choice, and development is already underway on Rings of Power season 3.
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Rings Of Power Season 3 Latest News
The Third Season Is Officially Confirmed
After months of uncertainty, a third season of The Rings of Power has been officially confirmed by showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne. In an interview with Screenrant, the pair confirmed that they are working on the third season now, and while they cannot reveal too much, its “gonna be really good”.
JD Payne: We’re working on it.
Patrick McKay: We’re working now!
JD Payne: We’re prepping now, very, very intensely. Um—
Patrick McKay: That’s all we can say!
[…]
JD Payne: We do [have some exciting stuff coming]. It’s gonna be really good. We’re excited.
Patrick McKay: It’s gonna be awesome.
Rings Of Power Season 3 Is Confirmed
Work on the third season is underway
Rings of Power season 3 has now officially been confirmed by the showrunners, which is something of a relief, as there were concerns about the future of the show. Initially, an announcement on the third season was expected by October, so when that didn’t materialize, fears that the series could be canceled intensified. Despite the fact that season 2, like season 1, received positive reviews, viewership plummeted between seasons (from 150 million to 55 million).
However, with this renewal, the future of the series is assured for at least one more season. When Prime Video licensed the extremely lucrative property, they set up a five-season arc for Rings of Power, and there’s nothing to suggest that plan won’t come to fruition.
Rings of Power
season 2 debuted on August 29, 2024 and concluded on October 3.
Rings Of Power Season 3 Cast
Who Will Return In Season 3?
Though not as blood-soaked as contemporaries like House of the Dragon, some of the beloved characters of Rings of Power didn’t survive season 2. On the other hand, there are a few characters who will likely be returning, including Morfydd Clarke as Galadriel, as she is essentially the main character of the series. Since Isildur’s fate is already known (thanks to the events of The Lord of the Rings), Maxim Baldry is a shoo-in to reprise as well.
The premiere episodes of season 2 have already removed a few names from the potential season 3 ensemble, including Waldreg (Geoff Morrell) who was betrayed by Sauron. The death of Bronwyn was telegraphed by the departure of actor Nazanin Boniadi, but season 2 finally confirmed she succumbed to her wounds. In addition, season 3 could also expand the already impressive roster of characters, and there will certainly be a few new faces both known and unknown to fans.
The presumptive cast of Rings of Power season 3 includes:
Actor |
Rings of Power Role |
|
---|---|---|
Cynthia Addai-Robinson |
Míriel |
|
Robert Aramayo |
Elrond |
|
Owain Arthur |
Durin IV |
|
Maxim Baldry |
Isildur |
|
Morfydd Clark |
Galadriel |
|
Ismael Cruz Córdova |
Arondir |
|
Trystan Gravelle |
Pharazôn |
|
Ema Horvath |
Eärien |
|
Markella Kavenagh |
Elanor “Nori” Brandyfoot |
|
Tyroe Muhafidin |
Theo |
|
Sophia Nomvete |
Disa |
|
Lloyd Owen |
Elendil |
|
Charlie Vickers |
Sauron |
|
Leon Wadham |
Kemen |
|
Benjamin Walker |
Gil-galad |
|
Daniel Weyman |
The Stranger/Gandalf |
|
Ben Daniels |
Círdan |
|
Kevin Eldon |
Narvi |
|
Ciarán Hinds |
Wizard |
|
Rory Kinnear |
Tom Bombadil |
|
Calam Lynch |
Camnir |
|
Megan Richards |
Poppy Proudfellow |
|
Nia Towle |
Estrid |
|
Rings Of Power Season 3 Story Details
The Forging Of The Rings Continues
Since it’s a prequel, several key events will need to take place, though season 3 likely won’t be where Sauron’s rise reaches its dastardly peak
Predicting the plot of Rings of Power season 3 is difficult but not impossible, and there’s a clear direction the series is headed. Since it’s a prequel, several key events will need to take place, though season 3 likely won’t be where Sauron’s rise reaches its dastardly peak. Having gained possession of the Nine Rings of Men, Sauron can now begin manipulating the leaders of Men in order to do his bidding. This will eventually lead to the Nine Men becoming his Ring Wraiths and the eventual forging of the One Ring.
Season 3 will probably delve into the political manipulation of Sauron’s plan, though a planned five-season arc might stretch things out. Meanwhile, Galadriel’s quest for revenge against all evil will continue, and the Elves should begin founding Rivendell. Wherever Middle-earth is headed in Rings of Power season 3, it’s expected to be an epic ride.