The upcoming third season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will feature the forging of the One Ring, a pivotal moment in the saga of Middle-earth. Co-showrunner Patrick McKay confirmed that this event will be a central focus of the season, marking a darker and more dangerous tone for the series.
McKay explained that the sequence depicting the creation of the One Ring took two weeks to film and was the most ambitious and technically challenging endeavor the show has undertaken. "This is the season where Sauron makes the One Ring in the volcano," he stated, adding that Sauron’s appearance without his disguises will fundamentally alter the show's atmosphere.
Actor Charlie Vickers, who portrays Sauron, shared his profound reaction to stepping onto the set for this crucial storyline. Vickers told Empire that he wept upon his first day on set, describing the experience as an "amazing privilege and honor to be able to tell that story." McKay praised Vickers' performance as "absolutely staggering."
The third season will take place several years after the events of season two, at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron. Viewers can expect the return of Narsil, the sword that was famously shattered when Isildur cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand.
Filming for season four is already underway, with pre-production beginning before season three airs. Amazon aims to reduce the wait time between seasons, with season four expected to start shooting in early 2027.