Lord Of The Rings: Rings Of Power Season 2 Is "All About The Villains"

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 will premiere later this summer, promising a darker tone compared to previous depictions of Middle-earth. This next season will focus on the lore-rich world's villains, as stated by showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne to Total Film in their new issue.

"We like to say that Season 1 was primarily about our heroes," McKay and Payne said. "But Season 2 is all about the villains." The recently released trailer's reveal of showing Sauron at the height of his power, now with a new disguise.

"This time, Sauron's agenda sets everything in motion: Adar [Sam Hazeldine, taking over the role from Joseph Mawle] and his army of orcs; Galadriel [Morfydd Clark], Elrond [Robert Aramayo], and Gil-galad [Benjamin Walker] and their armies of elves--all of which will come crashing together in the most ambitious battle our show has seen yet, a battle from which many big players may not make it out alive," the showrunners explained.

One of this big players is Elven smith Celebrimbor, who had a minor role in Season 1 but will take centerstage in Season 2. McKay and Payne described Celebrimbor as "the principal protagonist" with his dynamic with Sauron becoming the "central relationship."

Total Film also revealed an exclusive new image from season 2 featuring Peter Mullan's King Durin III. The upcoming episodes will explore the fallout of him disowning his son, Durin IV, for mining Mithril against his wishes.

"A recurring motif in mythology centers around a king’s failing health leading to a sickness in the land that endangers the entire kingdom," said the showrunners. "Season 2 sees a fractured relationship between King Durin and his son take on a similar larger dimension."

According to the official synopsis, Sauron, cast out by Galadriel, must rely on his cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power. The new season will challenge characters as they navigate a world teetering on the brink of calamity.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 will be available on Prime Video starting August 29.