The Lord of the Rings Series: Season 3 of The Rings of Power is set to premiere earlier
Details about the plot are already available
The third season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is set to premiere sooner than expected. The new episodes of the fantasy series are scheduled to premiere on Amazon Prime Video later this year, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Previously, it was widely assumed that season three would premiere in 2027. However, a source close to the production has now revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that it is set to premiere sooner.
Unlike Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films, the series takes place thousands of years earlier: in the Second Age of Middle-earth. The story follows the creation of the titular rings and the rise of the villain Sauron. The third season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is set to take place several years after the events of Season Two—at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron.
The most recent episode of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" aired in October 2024 on Amazon Prime Video. Several characters from previous seasons will return in the new episodes. Among others, Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Charlie Vickers as Sauron, and Robert Aramayo as Elrond are back on board for the third season. New additions include Eddie Marsan, Andrew Richardson, Zubin Varla, Adam Young, and Jamie Campbell Bower, who is best known for his role in "Stranger Things." J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay serve as showrunners for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."
The Lord of the Rings: Two new films planned
Whenever exactly the third season premieres, "Lord of the Rings" fans can look forward to the future of Middle-earth with excitement. That's because, in addition to new episodes of "The Rings of Power," two new films are currently in the works. Just recently, the lead actors for "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" were announced. Andy Serkis, who is directing the film, will once again portray Gollum via motion capture. Other returning cast members include Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Lee Pace will reprise his role as Thranduil, as he did in Peter Jackson's "Hobbit" films. New to the cast, however, is Kate Winslet—the "Titanic" star will play Marigol.
One actor who will not be returning to Middle-earth is Viggo Mortensen. Instead, Aragorn will be portrayed by Jamie Dornan, whom many viewers will likely recognize as Christian Grey from the film adaptation of the bestseller "Fifty Shades of Grey." Leo Woodall had previously been repeatedly mentioned for the role. As is now known, however, the actor will not be seen as Aragorn, but as Halvard.
"The Hunt for Gollum" is associated with the events of Peter Jackson's first "Lord of the Rings" film, "The Fellowship of the Ring," released in 2001. Aragorn is set to play a key role: in this new fantasy adventure, he will embark on a quest to find Gollum. "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" hits theaters on December 17, 2027.
Shadow of the Past: Inspired by The Fellowship of the Ring
In addition, another "Lord of the Rings" film is in the works: "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past." Interestingly, the project got its start with late-night TV star Stephen Colbert. The TV host came up with the idea for the film after reading six chapters from the first "Lord of the Rings" book, "The Fellowship of the Ring." Those chapters did not appear in Peter Jackson's film trilogy. So Colbert thought: That part of the book should also be brought to the big screen. Jackson was taken with the idea—and now Colbert and Jackson are working with Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh to shape the concept into a new "Lord of the Rings" film.
The story of "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past" is set 14 years after the passing of Frodo. Sam, Merry, and Pippin set out to retrace the first steps of their adventure. Meanwhile, Sam's daughter Elanor discovers a long-kept secret and wants to find out why the War of the Ring was almost lost before it had even begun. Aside from that, much remains unclear about the film, including the release date, which has not yet been announced. We'll keep you posted!
