Season 2 of The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power may have concluded, but there is still speculation about the identity of one character – the curious “Dark Wizard” played by Oscar-nominated actor Ciarán Hinds. While he may be an “Istar,” the question remains if he is, as many have wondered, Saruman. However, Sci-fi & Fantasy Gazette, via Vanity Fair, reported that Rings of Power showrunners say that assumption is unlikely.

Saruman, who is also known as Saruman the White, in The Lord of the Rings, was the first of the Istari, the emissaries of the Valar, sent to Middle-earth in the Third Age to help counteract the evil Sauron. However, he was corrupted and overcome with a great desire for power, and became one of Sauron’s greatest servants.

The Rings of Power showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay pretty much quashed the idea that Season 2’s Dark Wizard is Saruman. “I’ll say something on the record. Given the history of Middle-earth, it would highly, highly improbable that this could be Saruman,” McKay said. “If not impossible,” added Payne.

Given the history of Middle-earth, it would highly, highly improbable that this could be Saruman.

In a separate interview, McKay added that they do know in the history of Middle-earth, some wizards do become corrupt. “So, there is precedent for this, but that doesn’t mean it’s the same guy. As you say, it wouldn’t actually make sense for it to be Saruman,” McKay said.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Rotten Tomatoes
Critic Score
Audience Score

Season 1
83%
38%

Season 2
85%
58%

Who Could He Be?

It is possible that the Dark Wizard could be one of the two seldom-mentioned Blue Wizards sent to Middle-earth by the Valar to offset Sauron, to never return.

A description of the Dark Wizard’s character reads: “A dark and powerful wizard, whose origins and intentions are shrouded in secrecy, and who has a legion of magic-wielding acolytes who obey his every command – among them the three travelers who sought out the Stranger at the end of Season 1…on the Dark Wizard’s orders.”

The Probability of Season 3

Fans will have to wait until a likely Season 3 of The Rings of Power to find an answer as to who the Dark Wizard is. Reportedly, Payne and McKay have already been working on Season 3, while nothing has officially been announced.

At the recent UK Upfront presentation in London, Prime Video brought in several actors from The Rings of Power for the event, which is geared toward advertisers. Bringing in actors and presenting shows at such events is usually an indication that the studio is planning on moving forward with the show.

Although the show had a sluggish start, the studio believes it will garner as many viewers as Season 1. Season 2 has had 55 million global viewers, according to Amazon MGM head Jennifer Salke. Season 1 of the series had more than 150 million viewers. However, it should be noted the studio is referring to the number of Prime Video accounts watching the show and not the actual individual people watching the series.

All episodes of The Rings of Power are available to stream on Prime Video.