News

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will return for a third season. Prime Video has confirmed the series’ renewal; season three production is underway.

Rumors of a third season were first discussed in December 2022. Those behind the series say they have a five-year plan for the fantasy series. Season two premiered in August 2024.

Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Sam Hazeldine, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, and Sara Zwangobani star in the series set 1000 years before The Hobbit.

Prime Video revealed more about the renewal in a press release.

“Today, Prime Video confirmed...

While they are primarily known for their comedy work, a primarily comedic movie actor can turn out an incredible performance in darker, heavier fare. In fact, some of the greatest movie performances are by actors who audiences usually associate with being funny, seemingly unaware of their true potential as performers. Many might not realize it, but comedic performers can be some of the best actors of all time, especially when they take on dramatic characters.

It can be hard for actors to break free of their typical genre, especially when they get their start in the world of comedy. However, the best ones can break free of that preconception about their talents, allowing them to branch out into other genres tense thrillers or dramatic weepies. While a lot of comedic actors try their hand at these kind of serious roles, there are some that truly knock it out of the...

Universal Pictures owns the rights to many popular titles but also characters. One of its franchises includes the Universal Classic Monsters, which the studio has been producing since 1913, and a new adaptation is being made of one of its most popular characters: The Mummy.

The Mummy tells the story of a mummified ancient Egyptian priest who is accidentally resurrected. The character has seen many adaptations starting 1932's The Mummy, with Boris Karloff, as well as the modern adaptations starring Brendan Fraser between 1999 and 2008, and the failed 2017 film starring Tom Cruise. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Atomic Monster and Blumhouse are resurrecting The Mummy with the help of Evil Dead Rise filmmaker Lee Cronin.

Related Dexter Star Becomes the Latest Addition to Stephen King's The Running Man Reboot

Edgar Wright's reboot of The Running Man brings in a Dexter star as part of the cast alongside Glen Powell, Michael Cera,...

Since the days of John Wayne and Howard Hawks, Western movies have been among the most respected in cinema, blending everything from adventure and action with social commentary and history. Having built up the careers of Hollywood icons like Clint Eastwood, John Ford, and Kevin Costner, the genre has also delivered a consistent line of fantastic films, from classics like The Searchers to modern hits like Django Unchained.

While some Westerns take no time to get to the action side of the genre, others have shown a penchant for telling drawn-out, slow-burn stories, which focus on characters and tension instead of gunfights. For many, the charm of the genre lies in its stunning visuals and almost unparalleled character studies, and some movies do a much better job of honoring this than others. From epic classics to modern hidden gems, the genre has no shortage of stories that take their time in getting to the action.

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 9:00 Pm, truTV will air NASCAR Inside The Playoffs, a show that dives deep into the excitement of the NASCAR postseason. Hosted by Shannon Spake, Steve Letarte, and Dylan Smith, this episode promises to offer fans an in-depth analysis of the latest developments and key moments in the playoff races.

As the playoffs heat up, viewers can expect to hear insights from seasoned experts who understand the intricacies of NASCAR. Spake, Letarte, and Smith will break down the strategies employed by top drivers and teams as they navigate the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. The hosts will discuss what it takes to succeed and how different factors can influence race outcomes, from track conditions to team dynamics.

This episode will keep NASCAR fans informed and engaged as they follow their favorite drivers on the road to the championship. NASCAR Inside The Playoffs is the perfect way...

The second season of Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power came to an end this week, and the finale seemed to leave little doubt as to the identity of the "Dark Wizard" played by Game of Thrones alum Ciarán Hinds.

However, all may not be as it seems when it comes to this mysterious and very powerful character.

We know that this blatantly evil sorcerer is an "Istar," and it was generally assumed that he must be Sarauman. Granted, it would be a pretty major change to the lore if this character "broke bad" prior to the events of Tolkien's trilogy, but so would the introduction of another Istari who was never mentioned in the saga at all.

This led to speculation that Hinds might be playing either Alatar or Pallando, the "Blue Wizards" who are never really discussed in any great detail in The Lord of the Rings...

On Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 5:30 Pm, NASCAR fans can tune into NASCAR Inside The Playoffs for an in-depth look at the exciting postseason action. Hosted by Shannon Spake, Steve Letarte, and Dylan Smith, this show offers viewers a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in the NASCAR playoffs.

As the competition heats up, Spake, Letarte, and Smith will break down the performances of the top drivers, the strategies of the teams, and the implications of each race on the playoff standings. Their expert insights and engaging discussions promise to keep fans informed about the key moments that could shape the outcome of the season.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of NASCAR and stay updated on the thrilling playoff race. Join the hosts as they navigate through the twists and turns of this high-stakes season, providing all the excitement and drama that NASCAR fans crave.

Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Rings of Power's season 2 finaleThe Rings of Power is playing the long game. That's been clear since reports first emerged about creators Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne's five-season, billion-dollar plan for J.R.R. Tolkien's masterworks. To tell a story at this scale with this level of production value, planning is vital. But, part of what makes television so great is improvisation. Sure, it can lead to less-than-stellar results. But improvisation, or lack of a detailed map, has led to some of the best television ever created.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Cast Amelia Kenworthy, Bridie Sisson, Robert Strange, Sara Zwangobani, Sophia Nomvete, Trystan Gravelle, Daniel Weyman, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Peter Tait, Anthony Crum, Owain Arthur, Leon Wadham, Thusitha Jayasundera, Tyroe Muhafidin, Beau Cassidy, Maxine Cunliffe, Charlie Vickers, Lloyd Owen, Geoff Morrell, Kevin Eldon, Sam Hazeldine, Charles Edwards,...

Warning! Major spoilers ahead for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 finale.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power director Charlotte Brndstrm and director of photography Alex Disenhof explain Adar's dark fate in the season 2 finale. Prime Video's hit The Lord of the Rings show created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, just concluded its sophomore outing, teeing up an explosive season 3. After playing an important role as a villain in most episodes thus far, The Rings of Power's season 2 finale sees Adar (Sam Hazeldine) betrayed and killed by the Orcs he calls his children after they fall under Sauron's (Charlie Vickers) control.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Brndstrm and Disenhof delve into how they shot Adar's final scene with Galadriel in The Rings of Power's season 2 finale, which comes just before his death. The creatives explain that they mirrored...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 finale.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 finale director Charlotte Brndstrm and cinematographer Alex Disenhof explain the new Elven lands featured in the episode. Continuing its story of the rise of Sauron (Charlie Vickers) during the Second Age of Middle-eath, Prime Video's Lord of the Rings series created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne just concluded its sophomore outing. The Rings of Power's season 2 finale featured a number of big developments, concluding in a new Elven land as Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), Elrond (Robert Aramayo), and Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) plan their next moves.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Brndstrm and Disenhof delve into those new Elven locations featured in The Rings of Power's season 2 finale. After the brutal and bloody fall of Eregion, the two creatives explain that it was important...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 finale.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star Charlie Vickers explains why Sauron chooses to spare Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) in the season 2 finale. Created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, the hit Prime Video Lord of the Rings show returned for its sophomore outing in August, chronicling Sauron's rise to power during the Second Age. Sauron and Galadriel finally face off again in The Rings of Power season 2 finale in an epic duel, before which Sauron tries one last time to get her to join him as a ruler of Middle-earth.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Vickers delves into why Sauron didn't immediately kill Galadriel in The Rings of Power's season 2 finale, despite having the opportunity to. According to the actor, Sauron still saw a potential to get Galadriel on-side. After the events of the finale,...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 finale.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star Robert Aramayo teases Elrond's journey to come in a potential season 3. After returning for its sophomore outing in August, Prime Video's Lord of the Rings show created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne just released its action-packed finale, with Elrond once again playing a key role. Though Eregion is essentially lost in episode 7, The Rings of Power's season 2 finale sees Elrond and Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) lead the surviving citizens to safety, teeing up a continued struggle against Sauron (Charlie Vickers) in the future.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Aramayo and Gil-Galad actor Benjamin Walker tease what might be next for Elrond should The Rings of Power season 3 get the green light. According to Aramayo, who is well versed in J.R.R. Tolkien's source material,...

On Thursday October 3 2024, truTV broadcasts NASCAR Inside The Playoffs!

Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of *NASCAR Inside The Playoffs* airing on truTV, viewers will get an in-depth look at the thrilling dynamics of the NASCAR postseason. Hosted by Shannon Spake, alongside experts Steve Letarte and Dylan Smith, this episode promises to dissect the latest developments in the race for the championship title.

As the playoffs progress, the hosts will analyze the performances of various drivers, discussing their strategies and challenges on the track. Shannon, Steve, and Dylan bring their unique insights to the table, exploring how the competition is heating up and what it means for the teams involved. Fans can expect detailed breakdowns of races, key moments, and the factors that contribute to a driver’s success or setbacks.

In addition to race analysis, the episode will likely include interviews with drivers and crew members, giving viewers a...

Prime Video has already released a brief promo for this Thursday's season 2 finale of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but an extended version has now been shared online which features quite a bit of new footage.

Spoilers for the previous episode follow.

It's not the best quality, but the video shows more of the fierce battle between Galadriel and Sauron that was teased in the first trailer. The Dark Lord is still in his Annatar form here - but as we've already seen, this makes him no less powerful.

We also have another shot of the Balrog, who was first awakened from his long slumber in the season 2 finale. The fiery demon will be unleashed from his cavern deep beneath Moria when King Durin refuses to listen to his son and digs far too deeply into the mountain.

Finally, we get a glimpse of the Dark Wizard (surely Saruman?...

The penultimate season 2 episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is now streaming, and despite featuring a massive battle and a couple of deaths (though we'd say Arondir is still kicking), it was a kiss between two characters that emerged as the biggest talking point.

Spoilers from this point on.

Though they never had a relationship in J.R.R. Tolkien's source material, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) locked lips in "Doomed To Die." Were these Elven comrades simply unable to contain their feelings any longer, giving in to their passionate desire for one another?

Not exactly.

The kiss was actually a strategic play on Elrond's part, as he was able to slip the captured Galadriel a cloak pin that she would later use to free herself from Adar. While some fans enjoyed this moment and are even "shipping" the characters, a lot of others...

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 stunt coordinator and second unit director Vic Armstrong explains Morfydd Clark's Galadriel evolution. Returning for its sophomore outing last month, Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings series, which hails from creators Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, continues to put Galadriel front and center in the action. In The Rings of Power season 2, Galadriel's quest against Sauron rages once more from season 1, and the Elven warrior remains a major force for change in Middle-earth, both on the battlefield and off.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Armstrong touches on how Clark's Galadriel has changed in The Rings of Power season 2, revealing some of the behind-the-scenes filming details. Armstrong shares immense praise for Clark and her physicality as a performer, as well as her positive attitude towards stunts and doing her own action sequences, particularly when it comes to horse riding.

The intense penultimate episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is now streaming, and "Doomed To Die" focused on the devastating Battle of Eregion, as Adar - with Galadriel as his prisoner - and his forces launched an attack on the Elven kingdom while Elrond and King Gil-glad mounted a desperate defence.

Spoilers follow.

With Durin unable to keep his word to Elrond by sending an army of Dwarves to bolster the Elven ranks, Adar ultimately emerges victorious, stabbing Arondir (possibly fatally) and seizing Galadriel's ring, Nenya, from Elrond before flinging the Elf to the ground.

Meanwhile, Celebrimbor realizes that Annatar has been Sauron all along, and he's been tricked into forging the nine rings for mortal men while his city crumbles around him.

Prime Video has now released a brief promo for next week's season 2 finale, and it sees the Dark Wizard (surely Saruman... right?...

On Thursday September 26 2024, truTV broadcasts NASCAR Inside The Playoffs!

Episode Summary

“NASCAR Inside The Playoffs” is set to air an exciting new episode on truTV. This episode promises to dive deep into the ongoing NASCAR postseason action. Viewers can expect a thorough analysis from the show’s hosts, Shannon Spake, Steve Letarte, and Dylan Smith.

Shannon Spake will lead the discussion, bringing her expertise and passion for the sport. She will guide the audience through the latest developments in the playoffs, highlighting key moments and performances. Steve Letarte, known for his insights from his time as a crew chief, will offer his perspective on the strategies that teams are using. His experience in the sport adds depth to the conversation.

Dylan Smith will also join the team, contributing his unique viewpoint. Together, the trio will dissect the evolving storylines of the postseason. Fans of NASCAR will appreciate the in-depth coverage and analysis,...

“NASCAR Inside The Playoffs” returns with an insightful episode airing at 7:00 Pm on Thursday, October 3, 2024, on truTV. This exciting show brings together the expertise of hosts Shannon Spake, Steve Letarte, and Dylan Smith as they dissect the latest developments in the NASCAR postseason. With the stakes higher than ever, the trio will delve into the thrilling action and strategies that define this pivotal time in racing.

As the playoffs heat up, viewers can expect a comprehensive breakdown of the races, key performances, and the drivers vying for the championship. Shannon, Steve, and Dylan will analyze the intricacies of each race, discussing the factors that could influence outcomes and the challenges faced by the competitors. Fans will appreciate their expert insights and predictions as they navigate through the twists and turns of the postseason. For anyone looking to get a closer look at the high-octane world of NASCAR, this episode...

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power designer Barrie Gower recently explained why Sauron's Elven form looks different from other Elves on the show. In the second season of the Prime Video series, Sauron disguises as Annatar (Charles Vickers), the Lord of Gifts and self-proclaimed emissary from the god-like Valar, to deceive the Elven smith Celebrimbor into crafting the remaining rings of power.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Gower discussed why it was necessary to differentiate Annatar from the other Elves in Middle-earth. The designer explained the practical processes of achieving the future Dark Lord of Middle Earth's otherwordly appearance. "So, we are dictated primarily to giving somebody elf ears that would suit them, but we're covering their own ears basically, or extending. Fortunately, Charlie has very nice ears, so we were able to give them these beautiful, slightly upturned angular ears," he said. "We were...

The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is heading toward its finale with just a few episodes left to go. Ahead of the next episode's debut, Cbr has an exclusive sneak peek clip to debut.

The clip, dubbed "What Did He Promise," features Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Adar (Sam Hazeldine). The two discuss their thoughts on Sauron, with Adar giving a cautious warning to Galadriel about her quest to find him. It's an early look at Season 2, Episode 6, after which the penultimate episode and the season finale will bring the sophomore season to its conclusion. The episode is set to drop on Prime Video on Thursday, Sept. 17 at :01 Pt, and the sneak peek clip can be viewed below.

Related Rings of Power's Pharazn Has Become an Evil Version of a Fan-Favorite Character

Rings of Power has shed light on Pharazon and the kingdoms of Men,...

The Rings of Power dropped a revelation that shakes up everything we thought we knew about Lord of the Rings—why only hobbits could take down Sauron! Turns out, Peter Jackson slyly hinted at this in the original trilogy, but the new series makes it clear: it’s not just about their innocence or resilience. The hobbits’ unique connection to Middle-earth and their unassuming nature made them the perfect wildcard to blindside the Dark Lord.

Peter Jackson. | Credit: Mike Walen/Cca-by-sa-3.0/Wikimedia Commons.

Their humility? A secret weapon that Sauron never saw coming! Jackson was playing the long game with that subtle foreshadowing, and The Rings of Power is finally spelling it out. Sauron’s ego was his downfall, and hobbits were his kryptonite all along!

Sauron’s Blind Spot: How The Rings of Power Explains Why Only Hobbits Could Defeat Him The Orc family in The Rings of Power...

Warning: This article discusses topics of racism, homophobia, suicide, and sexual assault.

Over the years, several TV show actors left their respective roles, but their characters deaths ended up occurring offscreen. The demise of a beloved figure wasnt always met with a good reception from audiences, but the most heroic TV character deaths instead made up for their departure. When a character died but wasnt shown on-screen, it was often jarring. However, it was even weirder when it was already known that an actor was leaving, but they didnt get the opportunity to film their characters exit.

Even the best TV shows of all time sometimes had to say goodbye to a character without a proper send-off. Some of these instances were out of production's control and were the result of external reasons, such as legal snafus or budget cuts, whereas others were because an actor actively chose to step...

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 4 is now streaming on Prime Video, and among the Ents (and Ent-wives), eerie Barrow-Wights and the debut of Tom Bombadil, the most significant talking point might be our biggest hint yet as to the true identity of The Stranger (Daniel Weyman).

Spoilers follow.

When Nori (Markella Kavanaugh) and Poppy (Megan Richards) get separated from their "Istar" friend after being whisked away by a sandstorm he caused (he still doesn't quite have a grasp of his powers), they encounter a group of larger Halflings who call themselves Stoors (Smeagol/Gollum is believed to have been a Stoorish Hobbit). After some initial hostilities, the Harfoots attempt to better explain who they were travelling with.

After describing the Stranger as "a giant" and "bigger than an Elf," Harfoot leader Gundabel sarcastically interrupts with, "oh, so he's a great big grand-elf?"

Say grand-elf...

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay have addressed whether Tom Bombadil is the most powerful being in Middle Earth, virtually making him "God." Rory Kinnear portrays the character in the Prime Video series, now in its second season.

J.R.R. Tolkien's source material depicts the character as a jolly singing fellow who has been around since the beginning of time. The characterization informed Bombadil's presentation in The Rings of Power, which retains core elements without affecting the show's serious tone. Dialogue in the series' fourth episode hints that Bombadil's demeanor belies his true status in Middle Earth, with many asking if he is basically "God." "We would have no problem if that question was being asked because people say that about the character in the books," co-showrunner Payne told The Hollywood Reporter. "And I think people asked that of Tolkien himself.

Prime Video (via Nerdist.com) has released the first clip from tomorrow's fourth episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and it introduces a character fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's work have been waiting to see brought to life on screen for a very long time.

In the clip, we see The Stranger get himself into a spot of bother when he attempts to pull branch from a tree to fashion his wizard's staff. In a moment that recalls Merry and Pippin falling foul to Old Man Willow in the book, the Stranger is trapped and consumed by the tree until old Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear) comes to the rescue.

If you've read Tolkien's seminal trilogy, you should be very familiar with this mysterious character, who was introduced along with his wife Goldberry when Frodo and his company made their way through the Old Forest in The Fellowship of the Ring.

When The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring hit theaters in 2001, fans were captivated by its epic storytelling and stunning visuals. But for some die-hard Tolkien enthusiasts, one question lingered: where was Tom Bombadil? This whimsical, enigmatic character—alongside the menacing Old Man Willow—played a memorable role in the early chapters of the book.

Robert Aramayo in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power | Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Yet, Peter Jackson made a bold decision to exclude them from his film adaptation. Why? It all boiled down to keeping the focus sharp and the storyline streamlined. Here’s the full story!

Why Peter Jackson Cut Tom Bombadil and Old Man Willow from The Lord of the Rings Peter Jackson. | Credit: Mike Walen/Cca-by-sa-3.0/Wikimedia Commons.

When The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring hit theaters in 2001, it quickly became a cinematic masterpiece.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power actor Sam Hazeldine recently addressed assuming the role of Arda in the current season of the Prime Video series. Hazeldine replaced Joseph Mawle, who played the character in Season 1.

Hazeldine now portrays Adar, the corrupted Elf, one of the first Orcs, and their leader who crafts the land of Mordor for his kind. In an interview with ComicBook, the actor discussed playing one of the franchise's most recognizable characters. Hazeldine was asked if taking over the role was a challenge, to which he responded, "No, it wasn't actually. It was honestly a pleasure." He continued, "I think that's because it was such a rich character that's been created by the writers and by Joseph in Season 1. And so, it was a real privilege to take on that character and see where the story takes him from there. So, I really enjoyed it.

The first three episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 are now streaming on Prime Video, and ep 2, "Where the Stars are Strange," introduces a mysterious character who might just turn out to be the secondary antagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy.

We know most of you will be well aware of who we're referring to, but just in case, spoilers follow.

After first catching up with Durin, Disa and the other Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, we find out who sent the masked marauders that have been tracking Nori, Poppy, and the Stranger through the deserts of Western Rhûn: A powerful sorcerer known only as the "Dark Wizard" (Game of Thrones alum Ciarán Hinds).

At first glance, there appears to be little doubt that this clearly wicked individual is Saruman, but there are other possibilities.

Rings of Power has taken a few liberties with certain aspects of Tolkien's works already,...

The first three episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are now streaming on Prime Video, and the premiere wastes little time in taking us back to the Dawn of the Second Age to reveal the shocking origin of Sauron.

Major spoilers follow.

The first episode begins by introducing Sauron in his original form as a Maia spirit made flesh (played Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden) shortly after the defeat of his master, Morgoth.

Sauron gives a speech to a group of Orcs, attempting to convince them to embrace him as their new Dark Lord. However, Adar - now played by Sam Hazeldine - doesn't believe his would-be ruler has his "children's" best interests at heart, and instigates an uprising which results in Sauron's "death."

Though Sauron's spirit appears to leave his body, his blood flows into the earth, and the shape-shifting villain is eventually able to take the form of.

Key players from The Lord of the Rings trilogy appear as their younger selves in The Rings of Power. Aware that Elrond is in the prequel series, Hugo Weaving said he's still oblivious to how the show has depicted his character.

Hugo Weaving revealed he hasn't seen an episode of The Rings of Power. He told Radio Times he's no longer interested in revisiting The Lord of the Rings lore or any on-screen adaptations. Weaving played Elrond in the original Peter Jackson trilogy and two of The Hobbit installments; his performance as the half-elven Lord of Rivendell was iconic even to the Tolkien fan base. The Rings of Power sees a younger Elrond (played by Robert Aramayo), who has yet to witness Sauron's rise to power. Despite Amazon's enticing premise for the prequel, Weaving said he still doesn't want to see the new iteration of his character.

Related The Lord of the Rings...

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2's Rotten Tomatoes score has arrived after a divisive season 1. Created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne and based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, the Prime Video Lord of the Rings show premiered in 2022. After season 1 split critics and audiences as it chronicled the rise of evil in Middle-earth during the Second Age of Middle-earth, there's evidently a lot riding on The Rings of Power season 2 to right the ship.

Rotten Tomatoes now reveals that The Rings of Power season 2 has debuted on the site to an 82% with 34 reviews. Though this score is sure to change as more reviews are added, the sophomore outing currently ranks just behind season 1, which has an 83% score. As seen in the chart below, season 1 struggled when it came to the audience score, and the first audience ratings for season 2 should arrive following the premiere.

As someone who found the first 30 minutes or so of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power's debut episode some of the most beautiful fantasy television ever put on screen, my relationship with the show since has been complicated. The first season juggles numerous narrative arcs, some more compelling than others, and culminated in a barnburner of an episode that revealed the creation of Mordor. The Rings of Power season 2 captures some of the same magic, but loses some of the luster that made the first season so captivating.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Cast Sara Zwangobani, Daniel Weyman, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Thusitha Jayasundera, Tyroe Muhafidin, Maxine Cunliffe, Charlie Vickers, Lloyd Owen, Geoff Morrell, Lenny Henry, Dylan Smith, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Nazanin Boniadi, Alex Tarrant, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Robert Aramayo, Morfydd ClarkGenres Adventure, FantasyNetwork Amazon Prime VideoFranchise(s) The Lord of the RingsWriters Nicholas Adams,...

The first season of The Rings of Power was released to much fanfare, but also received heavy criticism from audiences. Morfydd Clark recounted her experience facing backlash against her depiction of the iconic Middle Earth character.

Morfydd said she was overwhelmed by criticism over her portrayal of Galadriel during Season 1 of The Rings of Power. "I was just totally unprepared when Season 1 came out," she told Elle, referring to reactions from both Tolkien fans and casual audiences on social media. There's a silver lining to the backlash, however. "I've seen a really dark side of what it means to be someone who [anyone] can write a message to on Instagram, and a really lovely side," she asserted. Clark proved she can take on epic roles with notable performances in Saint Maud, Starve Acre, and her first film Madame Bovary; she said she's taking recent criticism in stride, and the positive reception keeps her going.

"Eldest, that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside."

We recently got confirmation that a fan-favorite character from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Tom Bombadil, will make his live-action debut in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, and the actor who will bring the "Merry Fellow" to life, Rory Kinnear, has now confirmed that the Prime Video series will be doing something "different" with the character.

If you've read Tolkien's seminal trilogy, you should be very familiar with this mysterious character, who was introduced along with his wife Goldberry when Frodo and his company made their way through the Old Forest in The Fellowship of the Ring. Bombadil was clearly a very powerful individual, who was actually able to...

Ahead of the release of The Rings of Power Season 2, Prime Video unveiled the first look at a new character, Dark Wizard. Played by Oscar-nominated actor Ciarn Hinds, the new addition is set to add more nuance to the story.

The Rings of Power's cast will grow in Season 2, as it features several new additions like Ciarn Hinds, Rory Kinnear, and Tanya Moodie. Hinds, whose credits include roles in Zack Snyder's Justice League, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Frozen 2, Game of Thrones, and Belfast, will join the Prime Video series as a new character, billed as a "dark and powerful wizard." Now, the official first look lives up to his name.

Related The Rings of Power Season 2 Will Feature a Key Villain from the Lotr Movies

The Rings of Power Season 2 will bring back Shelob, the iconic villain from The Lord of the Rings, as...

Game of Thrones actor Ciarn Hinds becomes a Dark Wizard in a new image from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2. Created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, the hit Prime Video fantasy show premiered in summer 2022, chronicling the rise of dark forces in Middle-earth during the Second Age. The Rings of Power season 2 is set to feature the return of Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Robert Aramayo as Elrond, and Charlie Vickers as Sauron, but a handful of new actors are also set to join the mix, including Hinds in a previously unknown role.

Deadline now shares a new image from The Rings of Power season 2, unveiling Hinds as a new character known as Dark Wizard. Check out the image below:

Hinds' character is described as A dark and powerful wizard, whose origins and intentions are shrouded in secrecy, and who has a legion of magic-wielding...

The showrunners of The Rings of Power stoked fan anticipation ahead of Season 2's release. They tease the show will be even bigger if Season 3 is greenlighted.

Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay shared exciting news on Season 3 of The Rings of Power. McKay was reserved when pressed to elaborate, but he hinted they're well into development. "All we can say is, we're working on it," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "We're cooking. Let us cook!" Audiences can expect the show to delve deeper into the lore with the promising update; Amazon Studios has confirmed five seasons for the series, which draws heavily from The Lord of the Rings Appendices and The Silmarillion. The Rings of Power Season 2 is about to launch and McKay promised it will be epic.

Related The Rings of Power Season 2 Will Feature a Key Villain from the Lotr Movies

The Rings of Power Season 2 will bring back Shelob,...

The Rings of Power star Morfydd Clark has teased what's in store for her character Galadriel when the second season finally arrives. The upcoming installment will hit Prime Video on August 29.

Deadline was at the show's second season premiere where Clark teased that Galadriel will have a point to prove as she prepares to fight against the evil that had risen in the wake of the previous season. "Darkness is rising rapidly, and (Galadriel) has a point to prove. She made a big error, and she is learning to fight the darkness in a different way," she said. Clark also hinted at her character's growth in The Rings of Power Season 2, having learned from her mistake. "I'm glad she was, in a way, deceived because it's beautiful that she's open, and I hope she manages to keep hold of that. (Sauron)'s the great deceiver, so it's tough," she added.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power returns for its second season later this month, and Prime Video has now released the first full clip and a new TV spot featuring the return of a character who appeared to be killed-off in the season 1 finale, and our first look at... Saruman?

Of course, any Tolkien fan would almost certainly have been aware that Isildur - the future King of Gondor who ultimately cuts the One Ring from Sauron's hand - wasn't really dead, but his father Elendil and the rest of his people believe he is.

In the clip, we see Isildur and a new character, Estrid, stop to help what appears to be a group of travellers in need before being ambushed by Wild Men. Things look bleak for Isildur, but elven archer Arondir comes to the rescue by unleashing a flurry of arrows into the bandits.

Final “The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power” Season 2 Trailer Out Now

Evil reveals itself. Ahead of its premiere, Prime Video has released the final trailer for Season 2 of “The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power.” The big-budget high fantasy series is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy during the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. Per the official Season 2 logline, after being cast out by Galadriel without army or ally, Sauron has returned, and the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power. The second season will reportedly build to the Siege of Eregion, a deadly and definitive battle in Tolkien’s history of the Second Age of Middle-earth that marked the beginning of the War of the Elves and Sauron.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will return for its second season later this month, and Prime Video has now released an action-packed final trailer highlighting the conflict that erupts throughout Middle-earth in the aftermath of Sauron's return in the season 1 finale.

Of course, we now know that the Dark Lord had been hiding in plain sight as Halbrand all along, and season 2 will focus on the "Giver of Girts" - who has now taken his Elven Annatar form in an effort to hide out in Eregion - befriending Celebrimbor and aiding him in the making of the Nine (for mortal men doomed to die) and Seven Rings (for the Dwarf Lords in their halls of stone) of power.

The trailer also reveals that Galadriel will form an uneasy alliance with Adar, the "Uruk" who led a band of Orcs in season 1 before being captured. Does...

A new trailer teases the action and emotion to come in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2. Season 2 will follow Galadriel, Elrond, and others as they face off against Sauron and the forces of evil as the show's titular rings are forged. The Rings of Power season 2 will expand the world of Middle-earth, introducing new characters and creatures.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 gets a new trailer, teasing what's next for the Prime Video fantasy series. Created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, the hit Lord of the Rings show premiered on the streamer in 2022, chronicling the rise of evil during the Second Age of Middle-earth. Now, The Rings of Power season 2 is set to continue the journeys of characters like Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo), among others, as Sauron's (Charlie Vickers) power grows.

Prime Video now releases a...

The Rings of Power Season 1 ended by revealing that Halbrand was actually Sauron, the former lieutenant of the Dark Lord Morgoth, in disguise. Since the character had grown close to Galadriel, fans have been wondering how it would affect their relationship going forward.

Speaking to Screen Rant, Morfydd Clark, who plays Galadriel in the series, offered a little insight into what Season 2 holds for the characters. "I'm always very scared to tease," the actor said. "I would just say the mortal enemies hate each other even more than before, and they're looking even better than they ever did," she added without giving too much away.

Related The Rings of Power Showrunners Respond to Gandalf Fan Theory

The Rings of Powers showrunners tease a wilder alternative to fan speculation over The Strangers true identity.

Galadriel has been convinced of Sauron's return even during the early episodes of Ring of Power. After...

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 will feature the return of a major villain from the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, a star confirms. Based on the work of author J. R. R. Tolkien, the hit Prime Video series is gearing up to continue the story of Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), Elrond (Robert Aramayo), and others, as the fight against Sauron (Charlie Vickers) intensifies. The Rings of Power season 2 is set to bring back a host of familiar faces while also introducing a handful of new people and monsters into the mix, including some from Tolkien's source material.

In a recent interview with EW, Isildur actor Maxim Baldry confirms that The Rings of Power season 2 will feature the return of Shelob, the monster that so memorably assailed Frodo (Elijah Wood) in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. According to Baldry, the show's...

The Rings of Power promises to step up the scale of the story and spectacle by teasing the rise of Sauron in Season 2. Actor Sam Hazeldine said it's a pleasure to join the show as a tragic character with conflicted motivations.

Keen-eyed fans may notice Adar's recasting in The Rings of Power, but actor Sam Hazeldine asserts they've made the transition smooth coming into Season 2. He told Screen Rant that he was thorough about his character's development with showrunner J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay to ensure audiences would quickly focus on the resemblance. Adar is expected to be more prominent in the show's new season, considering how his actions unwittingly escalated Sauron's plans to conquer Middle Earth by unearthing Mount Doom. Hazeldine said taking over Adar is easier thanks to Joseph Mawle, who laid the groundwork for the character in Season 1.

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Related The Lord of the Rings: The...

A new trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 has debuted at San Diego Comic-Con. The hit Prime Video series is created by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. Season 2 will chronicle Sauron's growing rise to power in Middle-earth and the forging of the titular rings.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power debuts a new season 2 trailer at San Diego Comic-Con. Created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, the hit Prime Video Lord of the Rings series brings J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy world to life on the small screen for the first time. After the release of season 1 in 2022, The Rings of Power season 2 is set to continue the story of Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo), among others, as they contend with Sauron's (Charlie Vickers) rise to power in Middle-earth.

During The Rings of Power's Sdcc panel, for...

A brand-new promotional poster for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 has arrived, depicting Morfydd Clark's Lady Galadriel wearing her elven Ring of Power, Nenya. The Prime Video series will premiere in August.

Amazon shared the new poster via its official The Lord of the Rings X (formerly known as Twitter) account. The image features the Lady of Lrien dressed elegantly, spotting the elven ring. Also known as the Ring of Adamant and the Ring of Water, Nenya is made of mithril metal and set with a white stone of adamant. The Rings of Power Season 2, as implied by the series title, will bring the Rings of Power into sharper focus. Elven master smith Celebrimbor, with the aid of Halbrand (Sauron in disguise), crafted the elven rings, which include Vilya and Narya, in Season 1's final episode. Nenya has the power of preservation and concealment from evil.

Exclusive: Kaelyn Hutchins has joined Neon Kite as a Talent Manager, Deadline has learned.

Hutchins comes to the company after a little more than a year and a half at Strand Entertainment (formerly Silver Lining Entertainment), and will continue working with a number of her clients including Annie Gonzalez (Flamin’ Hot), Maya Lynne Robinson (The Unicorn), Kelen Coleman (The Newsroom), and Carolina Moreno (Acapulco).

Prior to Strand Entertainment, Hutchins worked as a Talent Manager at Principal Entertainment LA for nearly nine years. She began her career as a Programming Intern for the Newport Beach Film Festival and was upped to Features Programmer before transitioning to management as an assistant at Jordan Lee Talent.

In a statement to Deadline on the hiring, a spokesperson for Neon Kite said, “Kaelyn has an amazing foundation paired with a great eye. We have watched her skillfully build and nurture the careers of her clients...

The Rings of Power Season 1 had story and spectacle, but the show has yet to deliver sequences like the battles at Pelennor and Helm's Deep. Showrunner Patrick McKay says Season 2 will finally deliver what The Lord of the Rings fans have been waiting for.

The Rings of Power wrapped up Season 1 with a tease of Sauron and the creation of Mordor. Any fan of The Lord of the Rings knows those references as signs the show would encroach into more familiar lore in Season 2. Audiences also anticipate the narrative would now have large-scale battle sequences comparable to The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings movies, or even to the set pieces of House of the Dragon or Game of Thrones. In an interview with Empire, The Rings of Power showrunner Patrick McKay says Season 2 will surpass audience expectations.

Related 'I Stepped Away': The Rings of Power Star Officially...