The Rings of Power season 2 drops a big name star as key character is recast
The Prime Video series rings in one significant change
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The Rings of Power season 2 will see a new actor portray Adar after Joseph Mawle surprisingly departed the project.
Announced in a press release,AmazonStudios confirmed that Mawle has been replaced by Sam Hazeldine (Peaky Blinders) in the second season of its hugely popularPrime Videoshow.
No reason has been given for Mawle’s departure. Amazon declined to comment when we reached out for an official statement on the matter.
Despite being replaced as the orc leader, Mawle had nothing but good things to say about his time onThe Rings of Power season 1. Taking to his personal Twitter account after the news broke, the formerGame of Thronesactor expressed gratitude for being able to play a small but significant role in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary world:
I loved my time exploring middle earth and diving into Tolkien’s mythology. I’m so honoured that the character was liked. He cared deeply about telling you his story. Though as an actor it remains my wish, my job description to explore new characters and worlds. Wishing all theDecember 1, 2022
As well as recasting the role of Adar, Amazon that announced six other actors (alongside Hazeldine) have been added toThe Rings of Power season 2’s cast:
Amazon hasn’t confirmed which characters these actors will play, but Hazeldine and his fellow stars will all have “recurring roles” in one of thebest Prime Video shows, according to the studio’s press release.
The Rings of Power’s showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne have already confirmed that Cirdan the Shipwright – one of Middle-earth’s oldest elves – will appear in season 2. Woodeson is the oldest of these new cast members, so he’s a logical fit for the role of Cirdan, in our opinion.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
In a brief statement accompanying the new cast announcements, Amazon’s Head of Global Television Vernon Sanders said: “Since its premiere, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerhas been bringing audiences together to experience the magic and wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnificent Middle-earth.
“To date, season one is the top original series for Prime Video in every region and has been viewed by over 100 million people worldwide, a truly global hit that speaks to the universal nature of powerful storytelling. We welcome these wonderful actors to our ‘fellowship’ and look forward to telling more incredible second age stories in season two.”
The Rings of Power’s cast additions reveal comes just 10 days after another big announcement surrounding the show. On November 21, aRings of Power docuseries was released on Prime Video, which details the development of the series' expensive first season.
Meanwhile, production on The Rings of Power season 2 began in late October, with principal photography taking place in the UK instead of New Zealand. No release date has been set for the show’s return, but we suspect it won’t arrive until sometime in 2024.
For more content centered on Amazon’s Lord of the Rings prequel series, read ourRings of Power season 1 ending explainedarticle. Alternatively, find out whenone Rings of Power star learned he was playing Sauronandwhy The Stranger’s big reveal was held back from the castuntil the final few months.
As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
4 spy shows on Prime Video with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes
Prime Video’s smart new X-Ray feature is finally a good reason to add AI to streaming
Arcane season 2 confirms the hit series isn’t just one of the best Netflix shows ever made – it’s an animated legend that’ll stand the test of time
