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

A Major Update On A Third Season

Though Amazon Prime Video has yet to order more, the latest update comes in the form of a clarification on Rings of Power‘s potential third season. While nothing is set in stone yet, reports suggest that the Lord of the Rings prequel will secure a season 3 renewal before the end of October. This comes despite the fact that overall viewership declined between the first and second seasons. Head of Amazon MGM Studios Jennifer Salke announced that season 2 was watched by 55 million viewers, a steep decline from season 1’s 150 million.

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

Plans Are Already In Place To Make Season 3

Despite the fact that viewership plummeted between seasons (from 150 million to 55 million), it’s been reported that a renewal is imminent.

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. Despite the fact that viewership plummeted between seasons (from 150 million to 55 million), it’s been reported that a renewal is imminent.

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. 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

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

Image via Prime Video

Rings Of Power Season 3 Story Details

The Forging Of The Rings Continues

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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.