The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will change its protagonists for season 2 in a move that will probably benefit the show. The show has been busy expanding its cast for season 2, with familiar characters from Tolkien’s books set to join for the first time in season 2, along with new original characters. However, this is not the only change coming to The Rings of Power season 2, with the series confirming that season 2 will be “darker” and “more gritty” (via MovieZine, translation via The Yard), and will also shift its protagonist strategy.

In a print feature for Total Film, showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay revealed that one of season 1’s characters will step in to replace Galadriel and “arguably become the principal protagonist.“ As The Rings of Power season 1 finale revealed, Halbrand is actually Sauron, souring the relationship Galadriel formed with Halbrand. Now that Galadriel’s purpose as a character has seemingly been served, in exposing the titular villain of Lord of the Rings, it looks like her role will be reduced somewhat in season 2. If that happens, this will make way for a minor character from season 1 to step into the limelight.

Celebrimbor As The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Main Character Avoids S1’s Galadriel Problem

Celebrimbor Is A Good Choice For Season 2’s Focus

Speaking to Total Film, showrunners revealed that Celebrimbor will be their focus for season 2, which relieves the show of the risky business of portraying the much-loved Tolkien character Galadriel as the main character in most episodes. Galadriel is indisputably one of the best characters in The Lord of the Rings, and her role in season 1 earned considerable attention, so moving away from her in any degree is a bold move. That said, the show faced a lot of criticism for its characterization of Galadriel, who was depicted as having certain qualities that weren’t on display in the movies.

In comparison to Galadriel, Celebrimbor is a more minor character in The Lord of the Rings’ Second Age. Out of the source material that The Rings of Power has the rights to adapt, Celebrimbor was mentioned throughout the appendices, rather than being embedded into the narrative itself. Celebrimbor’s role was described in more detail in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, which the show will inevitably be drawing from for inspiration as much as it can. As such, this character presents fertile ground for exploration, without the rigid audience expectations that plagued Galadriel’s character in season 1.

The Rings Of Power Season 2 Focusing On Celebrimbor Returns The Show To Its Original Premise

Season 2 Will Resume Focus On Rings Of Power

Celebrimbor is actually central to the premise of The Rings of Power, which tells the story of Tolkien’s Second Age, specifically of the magical rings made by the Elven smiths of Eregion and Sauron. These rings are important in the plot of The Silmarillion and set up key story points for the Third Age in The Lord of the Rings. Celebrimbor was the lead participant in Sauron’s “Rings of Power” project – one Elf that Sauron was able to deceive into helping him create the rings.

Sauron’s Elf disguise in The Rings of Power season 2, as seen in the trailer, could be how Sauron worms his way into Celebrimbor’s good favor. The relationship between Sauron and Celebrimbor whilst they create the rings in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 will be “arguably the central relationship of the season,” according to the showrunners in their words to Total Film, and will be “about temptation, manipulation, and corruption.” In centering Celebrimbor for season 2, the show can return to its original foundation, Sauron’s increasing control over Middle-earth via the Rings of Power.

Sources: MovieZine, The Yard