The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showrunners Patrick McKay and JD Payne have teased what’s next for Númenor’s story in season 3, and where it will lead the fantasy series. The Rings of Power season 2 ends with a focus on Eregion, as Sauron (Charlie Vickers) retakes control of the Orcs, leaving the Elven city destroyed in the process. However, Númenor was also featured, with Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) taking total control of the island nation, accusing Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) of treason after learning Halbrand’s true identity through the palantír.

Speaking with Screen Rant, McKay and Payne teased the story in Númenor has only just started, with The Rings of Power season 3 further exploring what comes next for the island nation. McKay admitted the kingdom hadn’t been a major focus of season 2, but said the events which did transpire there recently are setting the stage for it becoming more important as the larger story continues. Check out what the co-showrunner had to say below:

Patrick McKay: Yeah, I think that what we can say is, from the very earliest days of talking about the epic project of this whole show — the “full mega epic”, as we called it — we always liked the idea that it was this vast ensemble, and different characters would emerge or maybe recede a little, depending on the story being told and the season. I think it’s true that Númenor was not always the central focus of season 2, that the central focus of season 2 was really more about the creation of the Rings, and the Sauron and Celebrimbor story. But there’s some really important things happening over on Númenor, and Númenor’s story is only beginning.

What McKay’s Statement Means For Númenor In The Rings Of Power Season 3

The Island Is About To Get Further Wrapped Up In The Main Story

The Rings of Power season 3 has the perfect opportunity to further explore Númenor, especially whatever vast consequences Pharazôn’s lust for power is going to entail. While Míriel remains his captive, Elendil (Lloyd Owen) manages to escape thanks to a warning from Eärien (Ema Horvath), riding off with his sword in tow, heading west to reclaim his own part of the island. This sets the stage for major conflict moving forward, as the new king of the island nation will likely do everything in his power to keep his throne from any perceived threats.

Beyond his kingdom, however, Sauron now has possession of the Nine Rings, which he intends to give to the rulers of mankind in order to control them. Pharazôn is no doubt one of these targets, something that could prove difficult now that he knows of Halbrand’s true identity. However, with the Dark Lord taking his Annatar form, he might be able to trick the island’s leader into taking one of the Rings, putting the entire nation under his control. This would align somewhat with J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works, making it the perfect path for the series.

Our Take On Númenor’s Story “Just Beginning” In The Rings Of Power

Season 3 Will Likely See A Bigger Role For The Location

Now that Míriel and her Faithful have been completely ousted from their former positions, the characters of The Rings of Power located on Númenor are about to experience a dark age in their history. Since Sauron is making plans to conquer the whole of Middle-earth with his Rings, there’s likely going to be even more negative consequences of Pharazôn’s rule in the long-term. However, the extent of what happens next won’t be unveiled until season 3 arrives, which could see plenty of development for how everything plays out.