Annatar's latest trick in The Rings of Power season 2 was brought to life by the most incredible practical effect we've seen in some time

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A day and night difference

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2
(Image credit: Prime Video)

Annatar loves a good trick and so, too, do the creative team and crew behind The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2.

In The Rings of Power season 2, episode 6, Sauron's 'fair form' tricks Celebrimbor into believing that all is well in the Elven realm of Eregion, even going as far as obscuring the fact that its walls are crumbling all around the craftsman.

But, once the facade slips and Annatar steps into the chaos surrounding the orc attack on the stronghold, the idyllic light from Celebrimbor's scene soon turns pitch black.

"When I read the scene, I could see this move around Annatar as it turned from day to night," episode director Sanaa Hamri said on Amazon's Inside the Episode Rings of Power after-show. "And then it followed him and went into slow motion and I was like, 'Oh, this is going to be one of those epic moments for Sauron.'"

According to The Hollywood Reporter, costs for the first season of The Rings of Power may have ran north of $400 million, with other reports suggesting that the show's total spending could reach a billion dollars when all is said and done.

The Rings of Power, meanwhile, is hurtling towards its second season finale. With a five-season plan still on the table, it remains to be seen how the rest of the story shakes out. 

For more, check out our guides to Annatar, Adar, and The Stranger – plus a look towards the show's streaming plans with The Rings of Power season 2 release schedule.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.