The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power Season 3: What we know so far

The elves are ready for battle, there is a challenge for the throne in Khazad-dûm, Númenor is not in a good position, and Sauron is on the rise. Season 2 of Rings of Power ended with a bang, to say the least, and now the wait for season 3 has begun. So while we wait for new episodes of this Lord of the Rings prequel series, here’s what we know so far about the potential third season, which has yet to be confirmed.

Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from the first two seasons of Rings of Power. Proceed with caution if you are not caught!

If Rings Of Power Season Is Renewed, When Could Season 3 Premiere?

Elrond takes a serious look at Adar in Rings of Power. — (Image credit: Prime Video)

At the beginning of October 2024, Rings of Power has not been renewed for season 3. However, reports suggest that it will happen. In September, THR published a report claiming that a third part of the Lord of the Rings the prequel show was already in the works. The site explains:

A third season has been in the works for months, although it has yet to receive the official green light. After seeing the ratings for the Season 2 premiere, sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the company remained committed to the series’ original five-season plan.

So, even though there is no official news yet, the renewal seems imminent.

If the series is picked up for season 3, it stands to reason that it will not be released before 2026. Season 1 premiered on September 1, 2022, then two years later, on August 29 to be exact, season 2 was created on September 1, 2022. TV schedule 2024. So, if the reports are true and a third installment is in the works, we can probably expect to see it on our screens in late August or early September 2026.

What was said about season 3 of Rings Of Power

Charlie Vickers as Sauron in Rings of Power Season 2.

(Image credit: Amazon Prime)

Like I said, Season 3 hasn’t technically been greenlit, but all signs point to it being greenlit. Even before the release of season 2, we were talking about it. During a press conference at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024 (a few months before the end of the second season), JD Payne and Patrick McKay commented on the sequel at a press conference, saying the following about return to work (via Total movie):

We are working on it.

Then, in the final weeks of season 2, Arondir actor Ismael Cruz Córdova was interviewed by Variety if he had “discussed season 3 or seen scripts”, and his response was:

As far as I know, they’ve kind of confirmed that we’re looking at a third. However, I haven’t seen any scripts. I would like that. But I’m pretty sure we’re aiming for a third.

Sauron actor Charlie Vickers also shared his hopes for the sequel. By discussing with Decision makerhe was asked where Sauron might go next (they checked the name Númenor) and the being he might transform into next. In response, the actor explained:

I don’t know when, I don’t know what’s next, but I think it’s a really cool power that he has to shapeshift and there’s a fine line. You don’t want to just change shape for the sake of it, so it becomes a gimmick. But I think the way to avoid that is to lean into it, but it all has to be grounded. In the same way that Annatar was all about Celebrimbor, I feel like Sauron’s next form, if there is another form, will be like something he draws upon for his strength and power as Sauron now. Like we’re almost at the peak of its power in the Second Age, you know?

So Charlie Vickers is clearly thinking about what might happen next, as are his co-stars and bosses. It’s also helpful to have a five-season plan in place (but we’ll get to that later). So while the possibilities for story direction seem endless, the series also has a clear direction (assuming it gets renewed).

Rings of Power cast

From left to right: Arondir, Isildur and Estrid looking into the distance. They are all bruised.

(Image credit: Ross Ferguson / Prime Video)

The Rings of Power casting is huge, and we can expect it to stay that way until season 3. While Charles Edwards’ Celebrimbor is gone and Sam Hazeldine only played Adar for one season before being killed off, for the Most of us can expect that the ROP the whole will remain the same in the next episodes, because the following elements should return:

Charlie Vickers as Sauron
Morfydd Clark as Galadriel
Robert Aramayo as Elrond
Benjamin Walker as High King Gil-galad
Ismael Cruz – Córdova as Arondir
Daniel Weyman as Gandalf (formerly known as The Stranger)
Markella Kavenagh as Nori
Megan Richards as Poppy
Rory Kinnear as Tom Bombadil
Sophia Nomvete as Princess Disa
Owain Arthur as Prince Durin
Lloyd Owen as Elendil
Maxim Baldry as Isildur
Ema Horvath as Eärien
Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Miriel
Trystan Gravelle as Pharazôn
Léon Wadham as Kemen
Tyroe Muhafidin as Theo
Nia Towle as Estrid

Along with all these names, it stands to reason that many new characters will also be added to the cast as this story continues to evolve and travel across Middle Earth.

How Rings of Power Season 2 Ended and How It Will Likely Impact Season 3

From left to right, Galadriel with Gil-galad and Arondir standing behind her looking at her.

(Image credit: Prime Video)

When I say a lot happened in the Season 2 finale of Rings of Power I’m serious. There’s so much to review, and all of it will likely impact the story in Season 3, so let’s review it.

Where we left the elves at the end of the season

The final shot of season 2 shows Gil-galad raising his sword with Elrond, Galadriel and Arondir at his side. While the elves are at their lowest, they have a new sanctuary to live in, and they are all ready to continue fighting for the light and against Sauron.

Durin and Disa have problems for season 3

In Khazad-dûm, Durin mourns the death of his father – who sacrificed himself to save them from the Balrog – and reflects on the idea that he is about to become king. However, at the very end, it is revealed that his claim to the throne is challenged by his brother. So we can expect some royal drama among the dwarves next season.

The Númenóreans do not take a hopeful path

As for the Númenoreans, Isildur was last seen on a ship after he and Kemen clashed in a settlement, Elendil was sailing away from Númenor with Narsil in hand, and Míriel was under arrest. Meanwhile, Pharazôn still rules the island and tries to bring down the faithful. So, things aren’t looking good there as we head into Season 3.

The stranger finally knows that he is Gandalf, and this will have an impact on his trajectory

In arguably the biggest reveal of the season, the Stranger finally discovered his name was Gandalf after meeting a dark wizard (who could be Sarumon?), the Stoors called him High Elf and we let’s sing with Tom Bombadil.

So now that the first chapter of his journey is complete, I guess we’ll really see him start to establish himself as the wizard we all know and love.

As for her friends Harfoot, Poppy and Nori have split up for their own adventures which will hopefully be explored in season 3.

We still have to worry about Sauron

Eventually, our big bad Sauron found himself standing on a cliff after Galadriel walked away from him with the ring. What is his next action? I have no idea, but we can be sure that he will come up with a deceptive and terrifying plan.

Rings Of Power is intended to last 5 seasons

Durin and Disa brandish their weapons.

(Image credit: Ben Rothstein / Prime Video)

It is well known that Rings of Power It’s a super expensive show. and a massive investment for Amazon. On top of that, they create a story in Tolkien’s vast, complex, and beautiful world. So it makes sense that doing just one or two seasons isn’t an option. In reality, the plan is for five seasons, according to Empireas co-showrunner JD Payne stated:

We even know what our final plan of the last episode will be. The rights purchased by Amazon were for a 50-hour broadcast. They knew from the beginning that it was the size of the canvas – it was a big story with a clear beginning, middle and end. There are things in the first season that don’t pay off until season 5.

Payne went on to explain that they were excited to create this story based on Tolkien’s expansive world.

So, buckle up, because if all goes according to plan, we’re not even halfway through this vast journey through the Second Age of Middle-earth.

How to Watch Rings of Power

Gandalf standing with his staff.

(Image credit: Ben Rothstein / Prime Video)

While waiting for the third season of Rings of Poweryou can stream seasons 1 and 2 in their entirety with a Amazon Prime subscription.

Then, when it hopefully returns, you can probably expect new episodes on Thursdays, as the first two installments both stuck to that weekly release model. However, if this changes, we will be sure to keep you informed.

Overall, Rings of Power it feels like it’s just getting started, and there’s a plan to continue the series for a while. So be sure to stay tuned to CinemaBlend where we’ll keep you up to date with what’s coming to Middle Earth.