'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 3 to bring Balrog and the One Ring: Release schedule, cast, plot, and all other details we know so far

Prime Video has confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 will premiere on November 11, 2026, bringing viewers back to Middle-earth more than two years after the second season. The new season jumps ahead five years after the events of Season 2 and focuses on the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, with the Dark Lord attempting to forge the One Ring in Mordor.

Unlike the previous seasons, Season 3 will follow a staggered release schedule across three weeks in November, allowing fans to watch all eight episodes before the end of the month.

The Rings of Power Season 3 release schedule

Prime Video will release the season in three batches:

• November 11, 2026: Episodes 1-4
• November 18, 2026: Episodes 5-6
• November 25, 2026: Episodes 7-8 (Season finale)

The streaming platform renewed the fantasy series for a third season in February 2025, with production beginning later that spring in the United Kingdom.

What is The Rings of Power Season 3 about?

Season 3 takes place five years after the fall of Eregion. Sauron's armies have expanded across Middle-earth, leaving only a handful of strongholds standing against his growing power.

From his newly completed fortress of Barad-dûr in Mordor, Sauron is determined to forge the One Ring, believing it will secure his victory over the Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Wizards.

Meanwhile, Galadriel leads the Elves as they prepare for war in an attempt to stop the Dark Lord before he completes his ultimate weapon.

What happened at the end of Season 2?

The second season ended with major changes across Middle-earth.

Eregion was left in ruins as Sauron escaped with the Nine Rings for Men, setting the stage for the eventual rise of the Ringwraiths. The Elves retreated to Rivendell, protected by their Three Rings.

Elsewhere, Prince Durin IV faces political challenges in Khazad-dûm while the Balrog remains a looming threat beneath the mountain. In Pelargir, Númenor's orders to cut down surrounding forests could bring the Ents into the conflict.

Season 3 will also introduce the Nazgnagôl, an early version of the Nazgûl, as Sauron's influence spreads further across Middle-earth.

Official synopsis

According to the official synopsis, Middle-earth is now fully engulfed in war.

Five years after Eregion's destruction, Sauron's armies continue conquering new territories, leaving only Khazad-dûm, Lindon, and Rivendell as major centers of resistance. From Barad-dûr, Sauron works relentlessly to forge the One Ring, forcing Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Wizards to unite in a race to stop him before he achieves complete domination.

The Rings of Power Season 3 cast

Returning cast members include:

• Morfydd Clark as Galadriel
• Charlie Vickers as Sauron
• Benjamin Walker as Gil-galad
• Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir
• Ben Daniels as Círdan
• Owain Arthur as King Durin IV
• Sophia Nomvete as Queen Disa
• Daniel Weyman as Gandalf
• Ciarán Hinds as the Dark Wizard
• Lloyd Owen as Elendil
• Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Míriel
• Trystan Gravelle as Pharazôn

New additions include:

• Jamie Campbell Bower as Celeborn
• Zubin Varla as Khamûl the Easterling
• Eddie Marsan as Thrain
• Andrew Richardson as Anárion
• Adam Young as Marnûkh
• Simon Pegg as the voice of the Balrog

Trailer released at San Diego Comic-Con

Prime Video unveiled the first trailer for The Rings of Power Season 3 during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, offering fans a first look at Sauron's campaign to forge the One Ring and the massive battles that await Middle-earth.

Is The Rings of Power ending soon?

No. The Rings of Power is planned as a five-season series. Prime Video has already begun planning for Season 4, with production expected to begin in early 2027.

According to co-showrunner J.D. Payne, Amazon's agreement envisioned a 50-hour story, allowing the creators to tell a complete narrative across five seasons. He has said that storylines introduced in the first season are intended to pay off in the final season.

With Season 3 moving into one of J.R.R. Tolkien's most significant events—the forging of the One Ring—the series enters what is expected to be its most consequential chapter yet.