Amazon Prime Video triumphantly returned to Middle-earth in 2024 with season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, but will their epic J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation score a third season? Set millennia 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.

Rings Of Power Season 3 Latest News

Season 3 Seems Liklier Than Ever

The duo is already making plans to bring Rings of Power season 3 to the small screen, even though Prime Video hasn’t formally announced another outing.

In lieu of an actual confirmation of the third season, the latest news comes as the showrunners of Rings of Power ink an exclusive deal with Prime Video. The brains behind the Tolkien adaptation, Patrick McKay and JD Payne, signed a three-year deal with the streamer and formed the new production company, 10:40 PM Production. The duo is already making plans to bring Rings of Power season 3 to the small screen, even though Prime Video hasn’t formally announced another outing.

Amazon’s head of television, Vernon Sanders, praised the partnership when saying:

We began this remarkable journey with JD and Patrick more than five and a half years ago and have never looked back. We continue to be amazed by the scope and scale of their vision and the enormous global success achieved by The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power in its record-breaking first season. We can’t wait for Prime Video customers to experience the epic adventure and high-stakes drama that JD and Patrick are continuing to build throughout season two and beyond. Naturally, the studio is thrilled to extend our overall deal with these brilliant creative minds as they continue to deliver on their passion for great storytelling.

Rings Of Power Season 3 Isn’t Confirmed (Yet)

Plans Are Already In Place To Make Season 3

The status of Rings of Power season 3 is anything but shaky, and though Prime Video hasn’t made a formal announcement, the next outing is all but guaranteed. 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. Mixed audience reaction has done nothing to dull the impressive viewership numbers, and season 2 is already shaping up to be just as popular.

Rings Of Power Season 3 Cast

Who Will Return In Season 3?

Though not as blood-soaked as contemporaries like House of the Dragon, there is no guarantee that all the beloved characters of Rings of Power will survive season 2. However, until the entire run of the sophomore season is over, there’s no telling who will make it to season 3. 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. Oppositely, 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

Charles Edward
Celebrimbor

Trystan Gravelle
Pharazôn

Ema Horvath
Eärien

Markella Kavenagh
Elanor “Nori” Brandyfoot

Tyroe Muhafidin
Theo

Peter Mullan
Durin III

Sophia Nomvete
Disa

Lloyd Owen
Elendil

Alex Tarrant
Valandil

Charlie Vickers
Sauron

Leon Wadham
Kemen

Benjamin Walker
Gil-galad

Daniel Weyman
The Stranger

Ben Daniels
Círdan

Kevin Eldon
Narvi

Sam Hazeldine
Adar

Ciarán Hinds
Wizard

Amelia Kenworthy
Mirdania

Rory Kinnear
Tom Bombadil

Selina Lo
Rían

Calam Lynch
Camnir

Megan Richards
Poppy Proudfellow

Nia Towle
Estrid

Rings Of Power Season 3 Story Details

The Forging Of The Rings Continues

Predicting the plot of Rings of Power season 3 is difficult but not impossible, and even though season 2 isn’t over yet, 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. Instead, season 3 will probably continue with the forging of the rings and Galadriel’s quest for revenge against all evil. Wherever Middle-earth is headed in Rings of Power season 3, it’s expected to be an epic ride.