A shadow returns to Middle-earth: The Rings of Power renews for a new season that could reshape The Lord of the Rings prequel series. More Middle-earth, more Sauron, and more epic storytelling – Prime Video has officially confirmed Season 3.

A destructive force looms over Middle-earth as darkness continues to spread in J. R. R. Tolkien’s universe. Sauron is set to return in the third season of The Rings of Power. Prime Video remains committed to The Lord of the Rings prequel series and has officially announced the production of a new batch of episodes.

One Ring to Rule Them All

Though long speculated, Variety has confirmed that the new season is currently in pre-production at Shepperton Studios in London. One of the most anticipated aspects of the upcoming installment is the continued evolution of Sauron, played by Charlie Vickers. After his revelation in the first season and a more active role in the second, the Dark Lord will now solidify his power in Mordor. The series is inching closer to the era in Tolkien’s timeline where the great alliance between Men and Elves begins to take shape—one of the most pivotal moments in Middle-earth’s history.

A Divisive Series

Since its debut, The Rings of Power has been a polarizing topic among The Lord of the Rings fans. While some praise its visual grandeur and expansion of Tolkien’s mythology, others criticize its deviations from the original texts. The third season will likely continue this trend, as it forges its own creative path, making changes that stray from Tolkien’s works. Nevertheless, Prime Video remains steadfast in its vision, promising deeper character development and an even more ambitious production.

The future of the series remains uncertain regarding its release date. Although its renewal is confirmed, rumors suggest that Season 3 might not arrive until 2026 due to the complexity of its production. This means a long wait for fans, who can currently enjoy the first two seasons on Prime Video. The platform continues to invest heavily in this high-budget production, aiming to cement it as one of the major players in the fantasy genre.

Source: Gematsu