New Actor Plays Earlier Version of Sauron in Rings of Power Season 2

Jack Lowden plays the Dark Lord in one of his first human forms.

Centered around Sauron's rise as the Dark Lord, Season 2 of Rings of Power will feature the creation of the various rings used to subjugate the peoples of Middle-earth. First known as Hallbrand in Season 1, whose true identity was revealed to be Sauron, he now deceives the Elves by taking the form of Annatar. And Annatar is ready to forge the Rings of Power.

Ahead of Season 2, find out how The Rings of Power were forged [vidéo]

But evil has many faces, and Charlie Vickersthe actor lending his features to the Dark Lord will not be the only one to slip into his skin for this second season. In a video shared by IGN, Prime Video has made the reveal. In addition to his elven version, fans will discover another side of the character, and this, from the first episode. To embody him, we find Jack Lowden (Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, Slow Horses).

As the actor explains, the scene in question will be a flashback taking place well before the events of the series. He is therefore playing an earlier version, where Sauron, after the defeat of Morgoth, proclaims himself master of the orcs. For those who have not read The Silmarillion and would not be familiar with Tolkien's mythology, Morgoth was once called Melkor. The great villain of Middle-earth before his disciple, Sauron, he was an overpowering and power-hungry being. But like all evil, he was defeated.

In this scene, Sauron is not alone, as Adar (previously played by Joseph Mawle, then by Sam Hazeldine) stands by his side. One of the showrunners of Rings of PowerPatrick Mckay, gave more details to Total Film :

“He is about to be crowned, reciting his vision of Middle-earth. Just before the crown is placed on his head, his right-hand man, Adar, turns it around and stabs him in the back. This is the assassination of Sauron.”

In the first season, Adar made this revelation to Galadriel. With Sauron killed, it was impossible for him to return. And yet… Taking another form, that of Hallbrand, he puts his plan into action and thus escapes everyone's surveillance. Because even his former right-hand man doesn't recognize him. And for good reason, he has changed form!

This introductory scene will provide more context regarding the history of Middle-earth, learn more about Sauron's motivations, and understand the animosity between him and Adar – who could, as the latest trailer suggests, ally with Galadriel to fight a common enemy.

Charlie Vickers, Jack Lowden, what other forms will the Dark Lord take? The first three episodes available from August 29 on Prime Video may be able to answer this question.