It's official: Prime Video has finally confirmed that "The Rings of Power" season 3 is happening.
News of the show's renewal came on Feb. 13, when Amazon revealed the third season was in pre-production at the show's new home in Shepperton Studios in the UK.
"The creative team has an extraordinary vision of what’s to come with stories that have left us enchanted and enthralled,” Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing this epic journey, for our global customers, delving even deeper into the legendary tales that shaped Middle-earth.”
Admittedly, that's not a huge surprise; showrunners Patrick McKay and J. D. Payne have been open about working on where the show would be going next for a while now. Speaking to our sister site Total Film last year, McKay said, "We're very excited, but we can't say anything other than we're working on season 3. We have a story we think is really strong, and we're hoping to turn it around as fast as possible."
This comes despite reported viewing figures seemingly being a lot lower for the sophomore season. Deadline reported "The Rings of Power" season 2 was down 60% in total minutes watched compared to season 1. Nevertheless, we're returning to Amazon's version of Middle-earth again in the future, and we'll be keeping a close eye out for more news as it comes.
Here's everything that we know about "The Rings of Power" season 3 right now.
'The Rings of Power' season 3 release speculation
We don't currently have a "The Rings of Power" season 3 release date just yet, and with filming due to get underway this spring, it's likely the epic fantasy series won't continue for some time yet.
There was a two-year wait between the first and second season and, given the scope and scale of "The Rings of Power," it seems like we'll probably have a similar gap, especially seeing as filming on season 2 was carried out concurrently with season 1. I'd not expect to see it until 2026 at the earliest.
If you need your epic fantasy sooner, though, "The Wheel of Time" season 3 premieres on March 13. Plus, Prime Video's home to plenty of stuff that should help make the wait a little easier. Check out our guide to the best fantasy shows on Prime Video for more streaming suggestions.
'The Rings of Power' season 3 cast
With a show as big as "The Rings of Power," we're bound to be meeting some new faces in the third season.
However, we haven't had any casting updates as of the time of writing, so we can't guess who might be joining the show next time around.
However, we can pretty much assume that the majority of our "Rings of Power" regulars will be back for more — barring those characters who met their end in season 2, at least.
Here's the list of main stars we expect to see next time around:
- Morfydd Clark as Galadriel
- Charlie Vickers as Sauron
- Robert Aramayo as Elrond
- Benjamin Walker as Gil-galad
- Daniel Weyman as Gandalf
- Owain Arthur as Durin IV
- Sophia Nomvete as Disa
- Maxim Baldry as Isildur
- Trystan Gravelle as Pharazôn
- Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Míriel
- Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot
- Megan Richards as Poppy Proudfellow
- Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir
- Rory Kinnear as Tom Bombadil
- Ciarán Hinds as the Dark Wizard
Amazon's not shared any new casting info just yet, but if and when new faces are revealed, we'll be sure to share that news here.
'The Rings of Power' season 3 plot
Amazon's logline for "The Rings of Power" season 3 reveals that we've got a time jump on our hands.
"Season 3 takes place at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, as the Dark Lord seeks to craft the One Ring that will give him the edge he needs to win the war and conquer all Middle-earth at last," it reads.
It's no surprise that the show's taking this direction. After all, season 2 was all about Sauron's rise to prominence. So far, he's taken Adar's army for himself and he's secured the Nine Rings of Men after befriending and subsequently betraying Celebrimbor. The natural progression is, of course, to forge the One Ring.
The elves might have suffered the loss of Eregion, but, thanks to the intervention of the newly-crowned dwarven king, Durin IV, some survivors (Galadriel, Elrond, Arondir, and Gil-galad among them) managed to escape and flee to a safe haven (which will surely be Rivendell). Having resolved to stand against the would-be Dark Lord, it looks like we'll be seeing how they fight back.
And, aving found Tom Bombadil and uncovered his staff and true identity in Rhûn, Gandalf is surely on a collision course with Sauron and his other foe, that mysterious "Dark Wizard" in season 2. Whether his Harfoot friends will continue to factor into his story remains to be seen, though.
Khazad-dûm is likely in disarray, too; after all, Durin IV was only named king after his father went to confront the Balrog that lived below the mithril mine. Durin IV now faces his own troubled rule, and the problems facing the Dwarven lords.
We're also heading towards the fated fall of Númenor; Pharazôn has ousted Míriel after accusing her of being allied with Sauron, and loyal Faithful Elendil has fled the seat of power with Narsil in tow. Pharazôn's established an outpost in Middle-earth and looks to take on Sauron's forces himself.
Is there a 'Rings of Power' season 3 trailer yet?
Nope, and with filming yet to begin, don't expect a "Rings of Power" season 3 trailer anytime soon.
The teaser trailer for "The Rings of Power" season 2 arrived in mid-May, just a couple of months ahead of the show's eventual August 29 premiere on Prime Video in 2024.
