New image of Sauron with armor and the One Ring in ‘The Rings of Power’ for S3
A shocking revelation for the third season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” shook Tolkien fans this Tuesday, July 17, 2026. Amid preparations for San Diego Comic-Con, Amazon Prime Video released a new image that shows Sauron in his full armor, wielding the One Ring. The exhibition takes place in a building on the outskirts of San Diego, generating great anticipation for the next episodes.
Details of the Dark Lord’s new look
The newly released image offers a detailed look at Sauron’s appearance, confirming elements already awaited by admirers of the saga. Previously, a glimpse of the character had been noticed on a train that also ran through San Diego, alongside a representation of Gandalf. However, this new promotional art clearly shows Sauron’s crown and the imposing presence of the One Ring in his hands, signaling a crucial period in the series’ narrative.
Time advancement and the plot of the third season
The third season of “The Rings of Power” promises a significant time jump in relation to the events of the second year. The official synopsis indicates that the plot will unfold many years later, delving into the height of the war between the elves and Sauron. In this decisive period, the Dark Lord will be committed to forging the One Ring, an artifact that will be fundamental to his rise to power and domination of Middle Earth. This moment is crucial to J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology, as the elves’ war against Sauron marked the first major battle against the villain in the Second Age of Middle Earth, preceding the epic confrontation seen in the prologue of the “Lord of the Rings” films.
Sauron’s role in the series and Tolkien’s mythology
Actor Charlie Vickers returns to bring Sauron to life, and the new season will intensely explore his quest for power and manipulation of the kingdoms. The forging of the One Ring is a turning point in history, representing the height of Sauron’s power before his temporary downfall and the beginning of the main saga of “The Lord of the Rings.” The series delves into the character’s complexity, showing the steps that led him to become the ultimate threat to Middle Earth.
‘The Rings of Power’ cast for new episodes
The third season will feature the return of several names already known to fans, as well as important additions to the cast. Among the actors who return to play their characters are:
- Morfydd Clark as Galadriel
- Robert Aramayo as Elrond
- Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir
- Owain Arthur as Durin
- Daniel Weyman as Gandalf
- Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Miriel
- Trystan Gavelle as Pharazon
- Charlie Vickers as Sauron
New talents also join the production, such as Jamie Campbell Bower, known for “Stranger Things”, and Eddie Marsan, from “Ray Donovan”, whose roles have not yet been announced.
Production team and directors behind the new year
Showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay, who have been at the helm of the series since the first season, remain in charge of “The Rings of Power.” The direction of the new episodes will be signed by big names, including Charlotte Brändström, who worked on “Shogun”, Sanaa Hamri, known for “The Wheel of Time”, and Stefan Schwartz, director of “The Boys”. The team promises to maintain the visual and narrative quality that has characterized the production.
