The Rings of Power showrunners confirm "definitively" that the Dark Wizard isn't Saruman: "We do know who he is"

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Exclusive: J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay have the final say on those Saruman rumors

Ciaran Hinds at the Dark Wizard in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
(Image credit: Prime Video)

The Rings of Power season 2 solved several mysteries, from revealing the Stranger's identity to unpicking Adar's fate. Yet, one big question remained after the credits rolled on episode 8: just who is the Dark Wizard?

Game of Thrones actor Ciarán Hinds is the actor behind the character, but it's never revealed who exactly they are in the second season, leading audiences to theorize. One of the biggest candidates was the legendary Lord of the Rings character Saruman, thanks to his morally eh, grey, morals.

We do have a slight shortlist of potential candidates now, and Payne and McKay have helped narrow it down even more. In the season 2 finale, the Dark Wizard tells the Stranger that there are five of them. These are Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and two Blue Wizards Alatar and Pallando (sometimes called Morinehtar and Rómestámo). Now Saruman is off the table, as is Gandalf given the reveal about the Stranger's identity.

Fay Watson
Fay Watson
Deputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.