The Rings of Power Season 3 Sounds More Like Game of Thrones Than Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power returns this November for Season 3, and the creators and cast are teasing some big changes ahead. In fact, it sounds like the coming episodes will feel more like Game of Thrones than The Lord of the Rings. Looking at the teaser for The Rings of Power Season 3 and the way Season 2 ends, it’s clear things are about to get a whole lot darker for Middle-earth. The hope that runs through J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories is going to be tested — and it may even disappear for a time.

During an interview with ComicBook‘s Law Sharma at San Diego Comic-Con, showrunner Patrick McKay was asked about balancing the hopeful vibe of Tolkien’s storytelling with the darker turns The Rings of Power is taking. McKay’s response may induce some anxiety in fans: “I don’t think audiences, even audiences who watched the first two seasons, are really ready for what’s coming this time.” He also teased surprising twists on the horizon, and earlier in the conversation, he confirmed that “no one is safe.”

It’s a big change of pace from The Lord of the Rings movies, which maintain some level of hope and positivity even in their darkest moments. And Ismael Cruz Córdova, who plays Arondir in the Prime Video series, echoed McKay’s sentiments. Not only did he also confirm that the characters are in danger, but he added, “When you’re talking about hope, hope it the least of people’s concerns. It’s survival.“

In that regard, The Rings of Power is leaning into the brutality and darkness of a world like the one seen in Game of Thrones. That tonal change makes sense for where things are headed, but it also raises questions about how the Prime Video show will bring its Second Age story back to the heart of Tolkien’s writings.

What The Rings of Power Season 3’s Grimmer Tone Means for the Prime Video Series

The Rings of Power‘s grimmer tone is poised to capture the gravity of Sauron’s rise to power well, fully conveying the dread that accompanies it. However, it also means the Prime Video series will feel quite different from the rest of the franchise — and while it’s separate from Warner Bros.’ projects, it still risks being jarring to those who turn to Middle-earth for a more uplifting fantasy experience. Given that doesn’t fit with Tolkien’s source material, it could be seen as frustrating. It’s made more so by the fact that so many fantasy series are leaning in a similar direction post-Game of Thrones.

Still, few of them actually master the balance, so if The Rings of Power finds a way, it’ll be more impressive for it. Going darker now will also make things feel more satisfying when the characters eventually do prevail. Needless to say, I’ll hold off on being too skeptical until Season 3 happens. Done well, being like Game of Thrones can actually be a positive. It just shouldn’t lose sight of Tolkien’s themes in the process.