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The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 is now out on Prime Video, as we make an epic return to Middle-earth. All of the major players are back this time around, as well as some new faces - including a new actor playing Sauron.
As previously revealed by IGN, in the opening scene of season 2, Sauron is played by Jack Lowden. The actor, known for his roles in Slow Horses and Dunkirk, plays an earlier version of the character in a flashback scene, called Forodwaith Sauron.
You can see a quick glimpse at him in their exclusive footage, which shows him with long blonde hair speaking to the orcs as Adar looks on. "A new age begins under me, your new master, Sauron," he says. Lowden adds some context in the video, explaining: "This is a flashback about a thousand years before the first season, after Morgoth has been defeated." Watch the video below.
We actually know quite a bit about this opening scene as the showrunners teased exactly what happens to Total Film earlier this year. Season 2 begins with a flashback to the end of the First Age, after Morgoth’s defeat.
"We open in the darkness, an orc walks in, and we see there are thousands of orcs gathered," Patrick McKay explained. "He’s about to be crowned, pitching his vision of Middle-earth, and right before they lay the crown on his head, his right-hand man, Adar, turns it upside down, and stabs him in the back. It’s the assassination of Sauron."
In the full scene, which has now been released, there are some even more intriguing additions. Although, warning, we'll be getting into season 2 episode 1 spoilers below.
In the show's opening, Sauron is holding court with Adar and the orcs as he declares himself as their new leader. Many of them will die in the battle ahead, he warns, to whispers of discontent echoing through the crowds before he kills one of them.
The scene takes place in Forodwaith, which is in the far north of Middle-earth, which is also where Galadriel went way back in season 1, episode 1 to hunt for Sauron in an abandoned Morgoth fortress.
Lowden only appears briefly in the role as the opening scene ends with Adar killing Sauron with Morgoth’s crown. The orcs then descend on him, stabbing him to death. Sauron lets out a blinding blue light before his body disappears. Over the next few scenes, we see him become a black blob, which slowly takes form when consuming living creatures.
Now, Sauron’s recasting in the opening scene isn’t necessarily surprising given that the Dark Lord is a master of disguises, wearing many faces over his time. It also allows a slight plot concern to be resolved too, given Adar doesn’t recognize Halbrand back in season 1 when he confronts him. At the time, this was surprising given Adar and Sauron have such a long history together. Now we know why.
The Rings of Power season 2 has begun on Prime Video. For more, read our The Rings of Power season 2 review, our The Rings of Power season 2 release schedule, and check out our guide to the best shows on Amazon Prime Video.
