Lord of the Rings prequel returns

Sauron makes an appearance in the first trailer for Season 2 of the Prime Video series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” premiering on August 29. Amazon unveiled the trailer and premiere date in New York City on Tuesday as part of its advance presentation to advertisers.

The action-packed first look focuses on the rise of the terrifying and powerful villain during Middle-earth’s Second Age, as Sauron (Charlie Vickers) disguises himself as an elf to help Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) forge the titular rings of power. . All manner of menacing creatures – orcs, creeping tree vines, a seeping swamp of wormy goo – appear to pollute the land, as many of the characters from season 1 prepare for battle, including Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), Elrond (Robert Aramayo), Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) and Isildur (Maxim Baldry).

The preview also includes a brief shot of the character known as the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) holding a wooden staff. In the season 1 finale, it was revealed that he was one of the wizards (also known as the Istari) who later populated Middle-earth. While it hasn’t yet been officially confirmed that the Stranger is an early version of Gandalf, Middle-earth’s most famous wizard, the show hasn’t exactly dispelled that impression either. Other major “Lord of the Rings” cameos include Mount Doom, one of the Great Eagles, what could be the Watcher in the Water (or one of his early ancestors), and what appears to be Barad-dûr – aka called the central fortress of Sauron. Mordor.

Season 2 of ‘The Rings of Power’ began filming in late 2022 and was shot in the United Kingdom, unlike the first season’s filming locations in New Zealand.

It’s been a big week for “Lord of the Rings” fans. On May 9, Warner Bros. announced announces that Andy Serkis will return as Gollum in the first of two new live-action “Rings” films. Serkis will also direct the film, tentatively titled “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” which the studio has set for release in 2026. Peter Jackson, director of the original trilogy, will produce the film.

An animated film titled “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” will hit theaters on December 13. “Succession” actor Brian Cox plays Helm Hammerhand, king of Rohan.

Watch the trailer below.