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EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 release date speculation, cast, plot, and more newsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
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(Image credit: Prime Video)
The Rings of Power season 3 is on its way as the epic Lord of the Rings prequel continues on Prime Video. And after a dramatic end to the second season, it seems there’s so much left to explore. We had big deaths, new monsters, and some huge revelations for the cast of characters of the fantasy show – and now Sauron has never looked stronger.
Now that’s sorted, we’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to know about The Rings of Power season 3, from cast to potential story, and even some exclusive insight. While you’re here, why not have a read of our guide to thebest shows on Amazon Prime Videotoo?
The Rings of Power season 3 release date speculation
(Image credit: Prime Video)
Then we got another update in December 2024 when we asked the showrunners if they’ve been thinking a lot about the future direction of the series. “The answer is yes, we’re very excited, but we can’t say anything other than we’re working on season three,” McKay told us. “We have a story we think is really strong, and we’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible.”
Now, while this is a really good sign, it doesn’t tell us too much about when we might see season 3, as writing on the second season actually took place at the same time as filming on the first season.
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We’ll have a much clearer idea when filming actually kicks off on the third instalment. Filming on season 2 began about a month after the end of season 1 aired. Looking at the time between season 2 starting production and actual release, it took about 20 months. If season 3 follows the exact same pattern, this means we can expect to see it aroundAugust 2026.
Of course, this is just a guess at the moment, so we’ll keep you posted with any updates.
The Rings of Power season 3 plot
(Image credit: Prime Video)
The Rings of Power season 3 doesn’t have an official synopsis just yet, but given where the finale brings the story, we do have a good idea about what to expect. First and foremost,Sauronis now at his greatest power yet, having taken possession of the Nine Rings for Men as well as bringing the Orc army under his wing. After his confrontation with Galadriel, we see him standing withFeëanor’s hammer inAnnatarform, and we’re betting this is setting up his forging of the One Ring. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, Sauron forges this in the flames ofMordor– could this be where he is heading next?
He’ll face opposition no doubt from the rest of Middle-earth. The Elves are bruised and battered following theSiege of Eregion, with severely depleted numbers. However, even with Galadriel recovering from her near death experience, she decides along with Elrond and Gil-galad that they will fight to defeat the Dark Lord. We expect the third season will begin with them rallying their ranks and working out how to do this.
They’ll have a new ally though, who has just learned his name: Gandalf. Yes,the Strangerwas the famous wizard after all. He now knows his name, has his staff, and is set on his path to clash with both theDark Wizardand with Sauron. It’s not yet clear whether the Harfoots will be part of this, as they head off on their own way at the end of the season, but let’s hope it’s not the last we see of them.
Elsewhere, things are not looking good. In Khazad-dûm, the Dwarves are in mourning after the death of King Durin and are also dealing with the fact they’ve awoken the Balrog under the mountain. Numenór is in disarray with Pharazon declaring supporters of Miriel as traitors and sending Elendil fleeing with a very familiar sword (read more about Narsil here). It’s not much better for the other humans either, many of whom (including Isildur) are leaving the Southlands for Numenor.
In terms of where we leave season 2 on theLord of the Rings timeline, we’re nearing the halfway point of the Second Age. Looking at what to expect next from Tolkien’s books, we’ll likely see the creation of Rivendell in the wake of Eregion’s fall, but there is a big gap in the timeline between that and the next big event: the first sighting of theNazghûl. It seems pretty clear that The Rings of Power will look to fill in the gaps of the men given the rings in season 3.
GamesRadar+ also has some exclusive insight about what could happen next from the cast themselves.Sauron star Charlie Vickers teased the futurefor Galadriel and his character into season 3 and beyond. “I think there’s definitely going to still be a presence. I think it was a confrontation. But I think, as you see in The Lord of the Rings books, he is still present in her mind,” Vickers says. “And I think as long as this show continues, they are the forces of good and evil. And I think that connection will endure for the show. It’s not all over yet.” He also added of Sauron, “This is only the beginning for him. I think that’s the exciting part.”
The Rings of Power season 3 cast
(Image credit: Prime Video)
Although there were some big casualties (RIPAdar, King Durin and Celebrimbor) in The Rings of Power season 2, we’re expecting most of the major cast to return for a third season. There will also likely be plenty of new characters joining as well, but in the meantime, this is who we’re expecting back for the next season.
The Rings of Power season 3 trailer
(Image credit: Prime Video)
There’s no trailer for The Rings of Power season 3 yet, as filming hasn’t begun on the show. Watch this space though as we’ll keep you up to date with any news we get.
While we wait for more news on The Rings of Power season 3, check out our guide to thebest shows on Amazon Prime Video, ranked.
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More about lord of the rings tv shows
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all yearThe Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year
The Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
The Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
LatestI can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsSee more latest►
Latest
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
See more latest►
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
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