The Rings of Power is forging ahead into its third season with production officially underway at Shepperton Studios in the UK. Amazon confirmed the renewal in February 2025, just months after the explosive Season 2 finale. With pre-production beginning earlier this year and filming starting in May, the next chapter in Prime Video’s epic Middle-earth saga is taking shape—and it promises to be the darkest and most pivotal yet.
The Story: Sauron’s Rise and the War to Come
Season 3 is set to jump several years ahead of Season 2, landing us right in the middle of the War of the Elves and Sauron—an event that Tolkien fans know is one of the defining conflicts of the Second Age. With the forging of the One Ring now central to the narrative, the balance of power in Middle-earth is on a knife’s edge. Sauron, having assumed a more deceptive guise in prior seasons, moves closer to becoming the Dark Lord we know from The Lord of the Rings. He is expected to manipulate, conquer, and betray his way toward domination, using his growing knowledge of ring lore and dark magic.
Meanwhile, the Elves—led by Galadriel, Elrond, and High King Gil-galad—will regroup and attempt to resist Sauron’s growing shadow. This season may also explore the expansion of Mordor, the growing rift in Númenor, and the rise of human kingdoms that will one day stand against evil in the War of the Last Alliance.
Cast: Familiar Faces and New Power Players
Most of the core cast is returning, including:
- Morfydd Clark as Galadriel
- Charlie Vickers as Sauron
- Robert Aramayo as Elrond
- Daniel Weyman as the Stranger (widely believed to be Gandalf)
- Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Queen Míriel
- Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir
Two new high-profile actors join the ensemble:
- Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things, The Twilight Saga), rumored to play a powerful Númenórean or possibly a lieutenant of Sauron.
- Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan, Sherlock Holmes), potentially cast as an elder statesman or rival faction leader.
Expect more casting news as production continues, especially as the series introduces new elven strongholds, Rhûn mysteries, and deeper dives into dwarven and Númenórean politics.
Behind the Camera: A Sharpened Creative Vision
Season 3 is helmed by returning director Charlotte Brändström, who has also been elevated to executive producer. She’s joined by Sanaa Hamri (Empire, The Wheel of Time) and Stefan Schwartz (The Americans), offering a balanced blend of returning familiarity and fresh perspective.
The writers’ room, still led by showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, continues to include notable talents like:
- Justin Doble (Stranger Things)
- Gennifer Hutchison (Breaking Bad)
- Helen Shang (Hannibal)
- Jason Cahill (The Sopranos)
Together, this team aims to deepen the political intrigue, explore high fantasy lore, and bring more emotional weight to the show’s central conflicts—an area that received criticism in earlier seasons.
Gandalf’s Arc: From Wanderer to Wizard
Daniel Weyman has confirmed that Season 3 will further explore the Stranger’s evolution, a character fans widely believe is an early incarnation of Gandalf. Weyman expressed his excitement about portraying the wizard’s first major moral choices, magical growth, and leadership dilemmas—laying the groundwork for the wise and mysterious figure seen thousands of years later in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Expect more time spent in Rhûn as he and Nori seek answers from the East, a region still largely unexplored in Tolkien’s stories and ripe for creative interpretation.
Release Date & Streaming Info
While Amazon has not set an official premiere date, production timelines suggest that Season 3 could arrive around August 2026. With post-production on the show typically taking over a year due to the heavy use of CGI and VFX, this window lines up with the release cadence of previous seasons.
In the meantime, you can catch up on or rewatch Seasons 1 and 2 on Prime Video, which remains the exclusive home of the series.
The Rings of Power continues to be one of the most expensive and ambitious fantasy productions ever made. With a darker tone, deeper lore, and a more focused story arc promised for Season 3, Amazon is clearly positioning the series to leave a lasting legacy—not just as a visual spectacle, but as a serious and emotionally resonant chapter in Tolkien’s universe.
Who Is Robert Aramayo
Robert Aramayo has become a standout actor in both film and television in recent years. The British performer first caught attention with his role as young Ned Stark in HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” but has since expanded his repertoire significantly. Currently, Aramayo is most recognized for his portrayal of Elrond in Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” series which began in 2022.
Robert Aramayo’s career has flourished with diverse roles across streaming platforms, including his performance in Netflix’s psychological thriller “Behind Her Eyes” in 2021. His versatility has been on display in various projects like “Nocturnal Animals,” “Galveston,” and “Stray Dolls.” Aramayo’s ability to transform into complex characters has made him increasingly sought after in Hollywood.
Fans of Aramayo’s work have plenty to look forward to as he continues his role as the half-elven lord Elrond in the fantasy epic. His transformation from a relatively unknown actor to a central figure in one of television’s most ambitious productions demonstrates his rising status in the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Aramayo currently stars as Elrond in Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” series.
- His notable performances include roles in “Game of Thrones,” “Behind Her Eyes,” and various films showing his versatility.
- Aramayo has quickly evolved from supporting roles to leading parts in major productions across streaming platforms.
Robert Aramayo’s Breakthrough Roles
Robert Aramayo has built his acting career on memorable performances in acclaimed fantasy series. His talent for bringing depth to complex characters has made him a recognizable face in the entertainment industry.
Rise to Fame with Game of Thrones
Robert Aramayo first caught the attention of global audiences with his portrayal of Young Ned Stark in HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones.” He appeared in several pivotal flashback scenes during the show’s sixth season, revealing crucial plot elements about Jon Snow’s parentage.
His performance as the younger version of Sean Bean’s character showcased his ability to capture the honor and integrity that defined the Stark family. Though his screen time was limited, Aramayo managed to make a lasting impression on viewers.
This role served as a significant launching pad for his career, demonstrating his capacity to step into established fictional worlds and bring authenticity to beloved characters. The exposure from “Game of Thrones” helped open doors to other major productions.
Stepping into Tolkien’s World
In 2022, Aramayo took on the challenging role of Elrond in Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” This prequel series to J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous works presented Elrond in his younger years, long before becoming the wise elf lord fans know from Peter Jackson’s films.
Aramayo’s portrayal brings youth and ambition to the character while honoring the legacy established by Hugo Weaving in the original trilogy. Critics and fans have noted his ability to balance Elrond’s diplomatic nature with his warrior spirit.
Before this role, Aramayo appeared in the Netflix psychological thriller miniseries “Behind Her Eyes” in 2021, further showcasing his range. His casting as Elrond proved he was perfect for the part, as he previously demonstrated his aptitude for fantasy roles.
Exploring Aramayo’s Portrayal of Elrond
Robert Aramayo’s interpretation of Elrond in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” brings a fresh perspective to this iconic character. His performance captures the essence of a younger Elrond through thoughtful expressions and deliberate body language.
Character Development in The Rings of Power
Aramayo infuses Elrond with a distinctive gentle curiosity that makes the character instantly likable. His body language and mannerisms create a character viewers naturally want to support throughout the series.
Unlike the more stern and wise Elrond seen in the original trilogy, Aramayo portrays him at an earlier stage in his long life. This younger Elrond shows more vulnerability and uncertainty as he navigates Middle-earth politics.
His interactions with the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, particularly his friendship with Durin, showcase his diplomatic skills. Aramayo effectively balances Elrond’s nobility with genuine warmth, making his cross-cultural relationships feel authentic.
The chemistry between Aramayo’s Elrond and other key characters like Galadriel and Celebrimbor adds depth to the narrative connections in the show.
Connection to Tolkien’s Legendarium
Aramayo’s portrayal remains faithful to Tolkien’s description of Elves as both wise and otherworldly. He captures the ethereal nature of the Elves while making Elrond relatable to the audience.
The actor studied Tolkien’s works extensively to understand Elrond’s complex heritage as half-elven and his eventual role as Lord of Rivendell. This research shows in the nuanced performance that honors the character’s literary origins.
Fans of the original works appreciate how Aramayo’s interpretation bridges the gap between the ancient history of Middle-earth and the more familiar Third Age stories. His performance acknowledges the weight of history that will eventually shape Elrond into the leader seen in later stories.
The Rings of Power places Elrond at pivotal historical moments, with Aramayo skillfully portraying the character’s growth through these world-changing events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Robert Aramayo has built an impressive career in both film and television. His roles span from historical dramas to fantasy epics, with several notable projects releasing recently or coming soon.
What are the latest movies and TV shows featuring Robert Aramayo?
Robert Aramayo has appeared in several recent productions including “The King’s Man” where he joined the cast of this prequel in the Kingsman franchise. He also starred in “Antebellum,” a horror thriller that gained attention for its unique storytelling approach.
In 2021, Aramayo appeared in the Netflix psychological thriller miniseries “Behind Her Eyes,” which showcased his range as an actor. He also had a role in “The Empty Man,” a supernatural horror film that has developed a cult following since its release.
In which upcoming projects will Robert Aramayo be seen?
Aramayo’s most significant ongoing project is the Amazon series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” where he plays Elrond. The show has been renewed for multiple seasons, ensuring his continued presence in this fantasy epic.
Details about other future projects remain limited at this time. His involvement in major productions like The Rings of Power may impact his availability for other roles in the immediate future.
How has Robert Aramayo’s character development evolved in House of the Dragon?
Robert Aramayo does not appear in “House of the Dragon.” This may be confused with his previous role in another HBO fantasy series, “Game of Thrones,” where he played the younger version of Ned Stark in flashback scenes.
His portrayal of young Ned Stark helped establish critical backstory for the Game of Thrones narrative. However, this was a limited role in specific flashback sequences rather than an ongoing character.
What is the role of Robert Aramayo in the series ‘The Rings of Power’?
In “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” Aramayo portrays Elrond, a half-elven character with significant importance in Tolkien’s mythology. Elrond is depicted in his younger years, long before the events of The Lord of the Rings films.
The role showcases Aramayo’s ability to bring depth to a beloved character from literature. His portrayal includes Elrond’s friendship with the dwarf prince Durin and his involvement in the creation of Rivendell, which becomes a key location in Middle-earth.
What critical acclaim has Robert Aramayo received for his recent acting performances?
While specific award nominations aren’t mentioned in the search results, Aramayo has gained recognition for his versatility across different genres. His transition from brief appearances in Game of Thrones to leading roles in major productions demonstrates industry confidence in his abilities.
Critics have noted his skill in portraying complex characters, particularly in fantasy settings. His work in “The Rings of Power” has helped establish him as a capable performer in high-budget productions with devoted fan bases.
Who is cast as Rob in the series ‘Behind Her Eyes’ and what is the character’s background?
Robert Aramayo plays the character Rob in the Netflix psychological thriller “Behind Her Eyes.” The miniseries features Aramayo in a role that differs significantly from his fantasy work.
Rob’s character is integral to the twisting plot of the series, which involves psychological manipulation and supernatural elements. The show allowed Aramayo to demonstrate his range beyond the historical and fantasy roles for which he had previously been known.
