The Rings of Power season one swept onto our screens in the summer of 2022, and it made quite an impact. In fact, at Nerdist, we felt it was one of the best shows of the year. And although we are still thinking about season one of the show, things are already ramping up on season two of The Rings of Power. The Rings of Power didn’t exactly leave us on a cliffhanger, but we are still on the edge of our seats, ready to dive back into its world.
As we get closer to the release of season two, we’re uncovering more about what’s in store when The Rings of Power returns. Our latest look includes new images of Isildur, Arondir, and a new character named Estrid played by Nia Towle. IGN reveals that Towle’s character, “Estrid first meets up with Isildur (Maxim Baldry) and Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) at the beginning of Season 2. She pairs up with the two after Isildur heals from his injuries and Arondir and the rest of the Southlanders continue to plan for their trip to Pelargir to further themselves from Mount Doom.” Additionally, the publication notes, “Isildur immediately trusts the young woman… Arondir, on the other hand, believes she’s hiding something and is much slower to believe that Estrid can be trusted.” Very mysterious. But it sure does seem like Isildur is doing a little more than just trusting Estrid. Could she be his future wife? Or is she really a villain in disguise? Only time will tell.
Additionally, we get a shot of Galadriel finally putting on her Ring of Power, Nenya. Producer Lindsey Weber shares with Empire Magazine, “It’s a very special moment when Galadriel [Morfydd Clark] finally gets to put on her ring, Nenya. Something we hope we’ve captured in cinematic fashion at the opening of Season 2.”
Here’s everything we know so far about the next season of The Rings of Power.
The Rings of Power Season Two’s Plot
The Rings of Power concluded season one on a few very dramatic notes, setting the stage for season two. Of course, Halbrand revealed himself to be none other than Sauron in disguise. When we last saw the dark lord, he was simply walking into Mordor, no doubt on the way to mete out some vengeance on his wayward followers. Meanwhile, Galadriel, Elrond, and Celebrimbor proceeded to form the elven Rings of Power despite knowing the idea came from a source of evil. And we feel it’s likely the Dwarves might know about the rings sooner rather then later.
An official synopsis for season two reveals more about the The Rings of Power‘s upcoming season, it notes:
In Season Two of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.
Behind the Scenes
Showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay return to helm season two of The Rings of Power. Also returning is director Charlotte Brändström. Sanaa Hamri and Louise Hooper will also join as directors on season two of The Rings of Power. They will each direct two episodes.
The Rings of Power Season Two’s Cast
The entire main cast of The Rings of Power which includes Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charlie Vickers, Robert Aramayo, and more, is expected to return for season two, with the exception of two major characters.
Firstly, Nazanin Boniadi recently revealed she would not return as Bronwyn in season two of The Rings of Power.
Secondly, Joseph Mawle will not return as the tragic but trecherous orc father, Adar, instead, the role has been recast. Sam Hazeldine will take on the role of Adar in the second season of The Rings of Power season two.
Joining Hazeldine are fourteen new actors. No new roles or characters have yet been revealed. The new cast of The Rings of Power season two includes: Gabriel Akuwudike, Yasen ‘Zates’ Atour, Ben Daniels, Amelia Kenworthy, Nia Towle, Nicholas Woodeson, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Stuart Bowman, Gavi Singh Chera, William Chubb, Kevin Eldon, Will Keen, Selina Lo, and Calam Lynch.
Rory Kinnear has also been cast as Tom Bombadil.
The Rings of Power Season Two’s Release Date
The Rings of Power season two will release on August 29.
Originally published on May 8, 2023.