Production for Season 3 of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ is underway, with new episodes expected in 2026. Sauron, portrayed by Charlie Vickers, is seeking powerful figures to control through the 9 Rings of Men. Potential ring bearers include Kemen, Theo, Earien, and Kilta, each with their own motivations and connections to power. Viewers may also encounter new characters as the story develops toward an epic conclusion over five planned seasons.
Exciting Developments in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ Season 3
Production is actively progressing on Season 3 of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’. While a specific release date is still pending, fans can anticipate the new episodes to arrive in 2026. Following the conclusion of the second season, the plot for Season 3 is already taking shape.
Sauron, played by Charlie Vickers, has successfully forged the 9 Rings of Men with the help of Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) and is now on the hunt for powerful men to control. His mission involves selecting 9 influential individuals who can be manipulated through these rings, expanding his dominion over not just them but their followers as well.
Potential Ring Bearers in Season 3
Several characters introduced in the earlier seasons stand out as possible candidates to become the ring bearers. Here are five intriguing theories about who might don the rings in the upcoming season!
Kemen: The Power-Hungry Heir
Kemen, portrayed by Leon Wadham, is the ambitious son of Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle), the new leader of Númenor. Initially eager to please his father in Season 1, Kemen spirals into his desire for power in Season 2, culminating in the tragic death of Isildur’s friend, Valandil (Alex Tarrant). Given that the rings tend to amplify the corruption in those who are already power-hungry, Kemen becomes a prime target for Sauron. Tolkien’s lore suggests that three of the nine rings are destined for Númenóreans, making Kemen a likely candidate for one of them.
Theo: A Descent Into Darkness
Theo, played by Tyroe Muhafidin, navigates his identity throughout the first two seasons. Despite not being portrayed as a villain, he exhibits a troubling attraction to darkness, influenced by characters like Waldreg (Geoff Morrell). After enduring personal losses and rejection, the narrative could take a dramatic turn if Theo succumbs to the Dark Side, becoming a Nazgul through the power of a ring. However, his current lack of influence may initially make him less appealing to Sauron, unless his potential catches Sauron’s eye, possibly leading to a rebellion against Kemen and the Númenóreans.
Earien: The Manipulated Sister
Earien, played by Ema Horvath, is Isildur’s sister who becomes increasingly susceptible to Pharazon’s persuasive rhetoric. Her loyalty could be crucial for Sauron, especially given her lineage as the daughter of Elendil (Lloyd Owen), who stands against Pharazon’s rule. If the third season indeed centers around a war initiated by Sauron, it would not be surprising if Sauron successfully seduces Earien and Kemen into his machinations.
Kilta: A Potential Eastling Ringwraith
The introduction of the Gaudrim, a tribe of Eastlings led by the Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds), opens the door for Kilta (Arkie Reece) to potentially become a ring bearer. In Tolkien’s universe, one of the 9 Rings of Men is destined for an Eastling, and with Brânk (Yasen Zates Atour) meeting his demise, Kilta emerges as a strong candidate. Though Tolkien’s lore remains somewhat ambiguous regarding the named Nazgul, there is speculation that rights issues may limit the use of certain names, potentially leading to Kilta adopting a new identity as a ring bearer.
Unveiling New Characters
While it’s a long shot, there’s still a possibility that not all 9 ring bearers have been revealed yet. The series has a tradition of starting with prologues that delve into Sauron’s history, so viewers might meet the future Nazgul right from the beginning of Season 3. The excitement builds as fans await the release to uncover the fate of these characters!
The production team is diligently working on the series, which is planned to unfold over five seasons, culminating in the epic battle of the Last Alliance. While the exact premiere date for Season 3 remains uncertain, keeping an eye on Amazon Prime Video’s new releases is a must for fans eager to join the adventure!