San Diego Comic-Con 2026 was buzzing with excitement as the cast and showrunners of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power took the stage to tease what's coming in Season 3. With the premiere set for November 11 on Prime Video, fans are eager to see how the War of the Elves unfolds and how Sauron's quest to forge the One Ring will shape Middle-earth.
In exclusive interviews with Collider's Perri Nemiroff, showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, along with stars Benjamin Walker, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniel Weyman, Charlie Vickers, Owain Arthur, and Ismael Cruz Córdova, shared insights into the new season. They revealed that Sauron will face unprecedented challenges, including a growing self-doubt that could undermine his plans.
Sauron's Creative Struggles
Payne hinted that Season 3 will delve into Sauron's psychological turmoil, especially after his brutal treatment of Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards). "What he did to Celebrimbor will come back to haunt him," Payne teased. This internal conflict is a fresh angle for the Dark Lord, who is usually portrayed as an unstoppable force. Vickers, who plays Sauron, discussed how his character's strengths and weaknesses will be tested as he attempts to craft the One Ring.
The cast also highlighted the performances of new co-stars, including Jamie Campbell Bower as Celeborn and Zubin Varla as Khamûl the Easterling. Walker, who plays Gil-galad, praised Bower's portrayal, calling it "inspiring." The ensemble is clearly excited about the new dynamics these characters bring to the story.
Marnûkh: The Orc Wild Card
One of the most intriguing reveals was the introduction of Marnûkh, an original character played by Adam Young. Córdova, who plays Arondir, described Marnûkh as "an icon in the making." This orc is not your typical villain; he might actually be someone you root for. McKay explained that Marnûkh will form a reluctant alliance with Arondir and Galadriel, adding a complex layer to the season's narrative.
"Marnûkh is a wild card," McKay said. "He's an orc who could turn the tide against Sauron, and Adam Young's performance brings a depth that will surprise fans." This fresh take on an orc character is a bold move for the series, which has already expanded Tolkien's lore with original elements.
Full-Metal Sauron
McKay also teased that Season 3 will see Sauron become "full-metal," transforming into the iconic armored villain that fans of the Lord of the Rings films know well. This darker, more menacing version of Sauron will be a central focus, as the War of the Elves reaches its peak. The showrunners are clearly leaning into the epic scale and darker tone of the source material.
Arthur, who plays Prince Durin IV, reflected on reuniting with Eddie Marsan, who joins the cast as Thráin, Durin's questionable older brother. "Eddie brings such gravitas to the role," Arthur said. "Their dynamic is going to be a highlight of the season."
Behind the Scenes
The cast and crew also took time to praise the unsung heroes of the production—the artisans, costume designers, and visual effects teams who bring Middle-earth to life. "The craftsmanship on this show is unmatched," Walker noted. "Every detail, from the armor to the prosthetics, is a work of art."
As the premiere approaches, anticipation is building. With new characters like Marnûkh and the promise of a more intense Sauron, Season 3 is shaping up to be the most thrilling yet. For more on the monsters of Middle-earth, check out our ranking of the best monsters in Lord of the Rings. And if you're curious about other fantasy adaptations, our look at The Wheel of Time offers a different take on female empowerment.
Don't miss the Season 3 premiere on November 11, and stay tuned for more updates from the world of Middle-earth.
