The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 – Release date, plot, cast, & Everything we know

As anticipation builds for the return of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, fans are eager to dive back into the breathtaking world of Middle-earth. This American fantasy series, a grand adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's rich lore, captivated audiences during its inaugural season with its stunning visuals and intricate storytelling. The first season ended on a cliffhanger, unveiling Sauron’s true identity and setting the stage for an epic confrontation. 

Recently, the excitement reached new heights with the spectacular premiere event in Singapore, where the first two episodes of season two were screened to enthusiastic fans. Co-creator JD Payne teased the upcoming season, promising a darker, more intense narrative centered around Sauron’s manipulations and the creation of the powerful Rings. 

Get ready to uncover the latest insights, plot details, and cast revelations in our comprehensive guide to The Rings of Power season two. With new information constantly emerging, you won’t want to miss a moment of this thrilling journey back to Middle-earth!

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Release date & Where to Watch

Season two of LOTR: The Rings of Power will premiere on Prime Video on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, nearly two years after the first season's debut. The first three episodes of the eight-episode season will be available on release day, with the remaining five episodes dropping weekly through October 3. 

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A subscription costs $14.99 per month in the US, £8.99 per month in the UK, CA $9.99 per month in Canada, and AU $9.99 per month in Australia. Prime Video new subscribers who get a 30-day free trial can also enjoy the title for free. 

How to Watch LOTR: The Rings Of Power Season 2 Online from Anywhere

You can watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two on Prime Video in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. However, if you're traveling outside these regions, geo-restrictions may prevent access to the show. To bypass these limitations, use a top VPN to unlock Prime Video and stream season two online. A VPN allows you to change your IP address to your home location, making it appear as if you are still in your home country.

When choosing a VPN, it's essential to select one that provides fast, reliable connections and strong security. For the best VPN performance, consider NordVPN. With its extensive server network, double encryption, threat protection, and dedicated IP options, NordVPN ensures a smooth and secure online experience. Its DNS and IPv6 leak protection features safeguard your IP address and DNS requests, keeping your browsing private.

Plot

Set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, The Rings of Power is drawn from the appendices of Tolkien’s work and focuses on the rise of Sauron during Middle-earth’s Second Age. In season two, Sauron, having been cast out by Galadriel, must rely on his cunning to rebuild his power and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his will.

As Sauron’s influence spreads, the forces of good—including elves, dwarves, and humans—face increasing challenges, with friendships strained and kingdoms beginning to fracture. The show will also explore the growing darkness surrounding Galadriel, her relationships, and her role in the creation of the rings. Meanwhile, other key plotlines include Nori and the Stranger's journey to Rhûn, the turmoil in Khazad-dûm with Prince Durin, and the ongoing conflict in Númenor, where political power struggles threaten to destabilize the kingdom.

Season two promises a grittier, more intense narrative. It will dive deeper into Sauron’s character and his impact on Middle-earth and set up the epic battles and alliances that will shape the series' future.

Cast

• Morfydd Clark as Galadriel
• Charlie Vickers as Halbrand/Sauron
• Robert Aramayo as Elrond
• Owain Arthur as Prince Durin IV
• Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir
• Ema Horvath as Eärien
• Benjamin Walker as High King Gil-Galad
• Peter Mullan as King Durin III
• Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot
• Maxim Baldry as Isildur
• Sophia Nomvete as Princess Disa
• Ciarán Hinds will portray a new Dark Wizard character
• Sam Hazeldine as Orc leader Adar 
• Gabriel Akuwudike 
• Yasen ‘Zates’ Atour (The Witcher)
• Ben Daniels (Jupiter’s Legacy)
• Amelia Kenworthy
• Nia Towle 
• Nicholas Woodeson (Silent Witness)
• Oliver Alvin-Wilson (The Bay)
• Stuart Bowman (The Pact)
• Gavi Singh Chera (The Undeclared War)
• William Chubb (Vampire Academy)
• Kevin Eldon (Game of Thrones)
• Will Keen (Ridley Road)
• Selina Lo (Boss Level)
• Calam Lynch (Bridgerton)

Episode Guide

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• Season 2 Episode 1 (Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024)
• Season 2 Episode 2 (Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024)
• Season 2 Episode 3 (Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024)
• Season 2 Episode 4 (Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024)
• Season 2 Episode 5 (Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024)
• Season 2 Episode 6 (Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024)
• Season 2 Episode 7 (Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024)
• Season 2 Episode 8 (Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024)

Trailers

Prime Video has dropped a teaser trailer to build anticipation for the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The short clip revisits Middle-earth after season one, revealing Sauron's fortress of Barad-dûr taking shape and teasing the forging of more Rings of Power—a key moment in the LOTR saga.

Ahead of its August release, The Rings of Power dropped a second trailer at San Diego Comic-Con. The nearly four-minute clip revisits Middle-earth, setting up the conflict between Saruman and the rest of Middle-earth. It also shows Galadriel tempted by the ring, hints at Ents, Balrog, and a smaller Shelob.

The final trailer for LOTR: The Rings of Power season two dropped just weeks before the premiere. It focuses on the forging of the rings, with hints of Galadriel’s potential corruption and the spread of Sauron’s evil, setting the stage for epic battles.

Is Gandalf in Rings of Power Season 2?

Many fans suspect that the mysterious character known as The Stranger (played by Daniel Weyman), who arrived in Middle-earth via a meteor, could indeed be our beloved wizard Gandalf. Several clues support this theory, such as his connection with trees and animals and some Gandalf-like dialogue. However, this hasn't been officially confirmed.

What has been confirmed is that The Stranger is one of the Istari, making him a wise wizard. This aligns with the character's portrayal so far. The season finale also made it clear that whoever this Stranger is, he's certainly on the side of good.

With Daniel Weyman returning for season two—and even briefly seen wielding a stick (or perhaps a staff, very reminiscent of Gandalf) in the trailer—we're hopeful that a definitive answer will be revealed.

Where is The Rings Of Power Season 2 Filmed?

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season one was famously filmed in New Zealand, the same stunning landscape that served as the backdrop for Peter Jackson's LOTR films. However, for season two, the production shifted to the UK. 

Filming began on Oct. 3, 2022, at Bray Studios in Berkshire, just outside of London. The change in location was influenced by factors such as lower production costs, easier access to diverse European locations, and the Tolkien estate's emphasis on the UK's impact on Tolkien's writing.

Behind the Scenes

The creative force behind The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two includes developers and showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, who also serve as executive producers. Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, and Gennifer Hutchison join them as executive producers. Charlotte Brändström, who directed pivotal episodes from the first season, returns as a co-executive producer and will direct four episodes in season two. 

The production team also features producers Kate Hazell and Helen Shang, along with co-producers Clare Buxton, Andrew Lee, Glenise Mullins, and Matthew Penry-Davey. Season two has expanded its directorial lineup with Sanaa Hamri and Louise Hooper, both of whom bring experience from other major fantasy series. Hamri has recently worked on The Wheel of Time, while Hooper's credits include The Sandman and The Witcher.

In shaping the series, the production team aimed to bring a fresh perspective to Middle-earth, with production designer Ramsey Avery emphasizing that they weren’t trying to replicate the visual style of the Peter Jackson films or previous Tolkien adaptations but rather sought to create something new and unique for the series.