Your weekly dose of all things The Lord of the Rings!
TORN Tuesday episode 709 covered discussions about an upcoming audio experience inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Silmarillion” and potential new Lord of the Rings media projects, including video games and radio plays. Hosts Justin & Clifford explored various casting and production updates for “The Rings of Power” series, including changes in leadership and speculation about character arcs. They also discussed recent developments in other fantasy properties like “The Witcher” and shared thoughts on various casting performances and character portrayals. Check out the recap from Bilbo’s Birthday Bash in Griffith Park 2025!
Summary
Silmarillion Soundscape Release
Justin and Clifford discussed the upcoming release of “The Soundscape of Ea,” an immersive audio experience inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Silmarillion.” Jordan Rannells, an artist and musician, created this soundscape, which requires listeners to play it alongside the Silmarillion audiobook for an enhanced experience. Clifford praised Jordan’s technical skills and artistic expression, emphasizing the significance of this independent project. The soundscape set released Wednesday, and Jordan was available in the live TORN Tuesday chat to answer questions. Additionally, Clifford hinted at a major announcement of his own…
Clifford shared his excitement about joining a Colorado-based audio collective led by Greg Tally called Collywood Studios, to produce radio plays including a parody of The Lord of the Rings.
Lord of the Rings Game Rumors and Middle-earth’s Game Potential
A new rumor about a new Lord of the Rings game is in development, potentially funded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office with a $100 million budget, similar to Hogwarts Legacy. TORn Tuesday briefly compared the budgets of various video games and discussed the impact of political drama on Hogwarts Legacy’s reception. (14 minutes into the show)
Clifford and Justin discussed the potential for an action fantasy game set in the Lord of the Rings universe, focusing on the expansive world rather than limiting it to a single location like Hogwarts Legacy. They explored various areas of Middle-earth, such as Eriador, Rivendell, and Mirkwood, considering what each could offer in terms of gameplay and exploration. Justin suggested the idea of a game set in Angmar, where players could experience the world from the perspective of Sauron’s forces, while Clifford emphasized the appeal of exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of Middle-earth. They also humorously considered a game where players could explore Minas Tirith as cats, using the same game engine as the cat game “Stray.”
Amazon Prime Studios Leadership Change
Amazon has appointed Peter Friedlander as the new head of Amazon Prime Studios, who will oversee the fate of Rings of Power, including decisions for seasons 4 and 5 and potential spin-offs. Justin noted that Friedlander, who previously oversaw major Netflix shows like Stranger Things and Wednesday, is expected to review Season 3 footage and may require reshoots or rewrites. The team discussed rumors that Ismael Cruz Cordova, a standout actor from the series, has wrapped his shooting for Season 3 early and may have reduced screen time compared to previous seasons. Additionally, filming for Season 3 was confirmed to be taking place at Hankley Common in England, with speculation that the location might represent the Brownlands in Middle-earth.
Rings of Power Season 3 Scoops
Clifford and Justin discussed the filming of Rings of Power Season 2, noting that a set depicting burned ruins and charred land was likely set in Mordor. They realized the footage was from October 2022, which was for Season 2, not Season 1 as initially thought. They also talked about recent scoops, including Jamie Campbell Bower’s limited scenes and Cirdan the Shipwright’s expected major role in Season 3. Clifford expressed excitement about learning more about Cirdan’s use of his ring in the series.
⭐️Question⭐️ “Who is your least favorite Tolkien character?”
Clifford and Justin discussed the potential inclusion of Celeborn and Glorfindel in the show, with Clifford expressing a preference for Celeborn to have his own storyline rather than being combined with Glorfindel. They noted that the cast, including Jamie Campbell Bower, Charles Edwards, and Sam Hazeldine, seemed to have issues with Celeborn, which Clifford found intriguing. Justin suggested that Jamie Campbell Bower’s recent tweet might be related to the character’s resurrection, similar to Glorfindel’s storyline. Clifford emphasized the importance of bringing ignored characters like Glorfindel and the Blue Wizards to life in the show, which he believed would earn the production more brownie points.
Community member Foedhrass got the ultimate photo op with Charles Edwards at MagicCon 2025!
The Witcher Casts Durin and Celebrimbor Rumors
Clifford and Justin discussed the casting changes in The Witcher, with Peter Mullan (Durin III) joining the cast, and shared their thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne’s tribute video to Lord of the Rings. They also celebrated Charles Edwards’ birthday, acknowledging his performance as Celebrimbor in The Rings of Power and his previous role in The Crown. Justin encouraged fans to show support for Charles Edwards on social media, and Clifford expressed his admiration for Edwards’ portrayal of Celebrimbor, noting its differences from his initial expectations.
Clifford and Justin ended the show revisiting rumors about Celebrimbor’s potential return in Season 3 of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” focusing on the possibility of his soul remaining in Mandos while his body is reanimated by Sauron’s dark magic. They explored the implications of this concept, including the limitations of using an animated corpse for knowledge and the show’s need to avoid copying controversial ideas from video games. The hosts also touched on other topics like the mystery surrounding Jamie Campbell Bower’s role in the series. Is he Glorfindel or Celeborn, or maybe a new form of Sauron?
We were pretty sure it was coming, but today Prime Video have officially confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will return for a third season.
Of note – director Charlotte Brändström is back for more; and the show has moved its production home, remaining in the UK but heading over to Shepperton Studios. No word on any new casting as yet. Prime Video did share this on X, re plotline: Jumping forward several years from the events of Season 2, Season 3 takes place at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, as the Dark Lord seeks to craft the One Ring that will give him the edge he needs to win the war and conquer all Middle-earth at last.
Here’s the official press release:
Prime Video Confirms Season Three Of The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power
Acclaimed directors Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri, and Stefan Schwartz set for upcoming season
Award-winning series is currently in pre-production at new production home,Shepperton Studios
CULVER CITY, California – February 13, 2025 – Today, Prime Video confirmed Season Three of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is in pre-production and will begin filming this spring in the series’ new production home at Shepperton Studios in the UK. Additionally, we are announcing three directors, two returning and one new, Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri, and Stefan Schwartz will be a part of this season. The globally successful series, which has attracted over 170 million viewers worldwide, continues to be one of Amazon’s strongest drivers for new Prime membership sign-ups.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled that a third season is underway. The creative team has an extraordinary vision of what’s to come with stories that have left us enchanted and enthralled,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “We look forward to continuing this epic journey, for our global customers, delving even deeper into the legendary tales that shaped Middle-earth.”
Charlotte Brändström, who served as co-executive producer and directed multiple episodes in Seasons One and Two, returns as executive producer and director for the third season. She is joined by returning director Sanaa Hamri, who helmed several episodes in season two, and veteran director Stefan Schwartz, marking his first involvement with the series. Each director will oversee multiple episodes in the upcoming season.
Brändström’s extensive directing credits include Shōgun (FX), Scarpetta (Prime Video), The Outsider (HBO), The Witcher (Netflix), and The Man in the High Castle (Prime Video). Hamri, an acclaimed director known for her work on The Wheel of Time (Prime Video) and Empire (Fox), brings extensive experience spanning television, music videos, and feature films, having recently directed The Bondsman (Prime Video) pilot while continuing her creative relationship with Amazon MGM Studios through an overall deal. Schwartz, whose credits include The Boys (Prime Video), The Walking Dead (AMC), Luther (BBC), and The Americans (FX), rounds out the talented directorial team.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been an unprecedented success, with a broad, highly engaged, global fan base. Critics have praised the series for its epic scope and production values, and Seasons One and Two are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Season One remains the biggest TV premiere in the history of Prime Video and Season Two the most-watched returning season by hours watched.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, Kate Hazell, and executive producer-director Charlotte Brändström. Matthew Penry-Davey is producer and Ally O’Leary, Tim Keene, and Andrew Lee are co-producers.
Charlotte Brändström is an award-winning director and graduate of the directing program at the American Film Institute. Recent projects include Shōgun for FX, The Continental with Mel Gibson for Starz, the upcoming Scarpetta with Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis for Prime Video, and a pilot for Netflix Sweden titled The Unlikely Murderer. Her other directing credits for television include The Outsider for HBO; Jupiter’s Legacy, The Witcher, and Away for Netflix; The Consultant and The Man in the High Castle for Prime Video; and Outlander and Counterpart for Starz. Brändström also directed the entirety of two European limited series: Conspiracy of Silence for Viaplay and Disparue for FR2, and has also directed over 30 feature films, miniseries, and movies-of-the-week. Additionally, Brändström is an international Emmy award nominee for Julie, Chevalier de Maupin.
Sanaa Hamri is a renowned film, television, music video, and commercial director from Tangier, Morocco. She is currently in an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios. She recently directed the pilot and episode 2 of Prime Video’s The Bondsman starring Kevin Bacon, as well as episodes from Seasons 2 and 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Previously she was EP/Director of Season 2 of Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time. Hamri was also EP/Director of the blockbuster series Empire on Fox from 2015 to 2020. As an acclaimed music video director, Hamri’s prolific career boasts collaborations with high profile hip hop/R&B musicians including Prince, Common, Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, and Mary J. Blige. Hamri has been awarded the NAACP Image Award for India Arie’s 2003 and an MTV VMA for Nicki Minaj’s 2010 blockbuster hit “Super Bass”. Hamri also directed Mariah Carey’s sold-out live arena concert documentary, The Adventures of Mimi. Hamri’s past episodic work includes Shameless, Rectify, Nashville, Elementary, Glee, Hit The Floor, and Desperate Housewives. Some of her feature film credits include Something New, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Just Wright.
Stefan Schwartz is an award winning British/Canadian film and television director, writer, and producer. He has directed episodes of The Boys and My Lady Jane for Amazon MGM Studios, as well as The Americans, The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Dexter,White Collar, Those Who Kill, Black Sails, and the BBC’s Luther and Spooks. He served as executive producer and directed episodes of Apple TV’s The Mosquito Coast, the Starz series Camelot, and the pilot of the CBC Television series Fortunate Son. His feature film directing debut was Soft Top Hard Shoulder, which starred Peter Capaldi and won two BAFTA Awards in Scotland and the prestigious audience prize at the London Film Festival. He also directed the films Shooting Fish (which he also wrote), The Abduction Club, and The Best Man, starring Stuart Townsend, Amy Smart, and Seth Green.
About Prime Video
Prime Video is a first-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one app available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can customize their viewing experience and find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Red One, Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, Cross, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries including Bye Bye Barry and Kelce; and programming from partners such as Apple TV+, Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+ via Prime Video add-on subscriptions, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titlesvia the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy even more content for free with ads. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.
Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne have already begun developing Season 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The writers’ room has not yet been gathered, but Payne and McKay have “started to break the initial story outline” for Season 3, according to Amazon.
Based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the Amazon Prime Video series focuses on events that take place during the Second Age of Middle-earth. Filming has wrapped on Season 2 of the show, and the release date has been confirmed as later in 2024, although an exact date has not yet been announced.
The all female slate of directors for Season 2 includes: Charlotte Brändström (4 episodes), who directed episodes 6 and 7 on Season 1 of The Rings of Power; Sanaa Hamri (2 episodes), director of Wheel of Time Season 2; and Louise Hooper (2 epsisodes), who has directed episodes of The Sandman and The Witcher.
Season 2 Directors (L to R): Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri, Louise Hooper
Season 2 is expected to feature many returning cast members from Season 1, including Morfydd Clarke as Galadriel, Robert Aramayo as Elrond, Owain Arthur as Prince Durin, Sophia Nomvete as Disa, Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir, and Charlie Vickers as Sauron, among others. There is an extensive list of newcomers to the show including some well-known actors such as Ciarán Hinds (Game of Thrones), Rory Kinnear (James Bond), and Tanya Moodie (Star Wars).
New Season 2 actors (L to R): Ciarán Hinds, Rory Kinnear, Tanya Moodie
Though we’ve already seen the three Elven rings forged, a likely focus of Season 2 will be the creation of the remaining twenty rings that Tolkien’s famous poem mentions, along with the subsequent war that Sauron brings to Eregion in order to reclaim them.
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die, One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
–JRR Tolkien
Personally, I’m hoping we get to see some of the early days of the Nazgûl, or in the common tongue, the Ringwraiths, in Season 2. The Men, to whom Sauron gave the Nine Rings along with promises of power and immortality, would have interesting story arcs to watch as they succumb to the power of the Rings and become wraiths.
McKay and Payne have signed a new three-year deal with Amazon MGM Studios.
If not in Season 2, perhaps we will get to see the creation of the Ringwraiths in one of the later seasons. It has been confirmed that McKay and Payne have signed a new three-year deal with Amazon MGM Studios, ostensibly to create the remainder of the five seasons of The Rings of Power that Amazon initially announced. The new deal has the two showrunners developing projects at Amazon MGM through 10:40 PM Productions, McKay and Payne’s own production company.
Production on future seasons of the“The Rings of Power” will take place at a new purpose-built facility on the outskirts of London. Amazon inked a multi-million-dollar long-term contract with Shepperton Studios to create the new space destined for “original TV series and movie productions”, the studios’ owner Pinewood Group said in a statement. The new facility will include nine sound stages, workshop and office spaces, comprising about 450-thousand square feet. Shepperton will be the second largest studios in the world with the new addition.
