Prime Video’s fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, is back for its second season. The show is set in the Second Age of Middle Earth, focusing on the struggles of men, elves, and dwarves as they try to unite against the growing threat of Sauron (Charlie Vickers).
After getting the elves to forge three rings of power, Sauron now seeks to manipulate his enemies into fighting each other, using the Elven smith Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) to create more rings that he can use to control all of Middle Earth.
In Season 1, Sauron’s true identity remained hidden, as he posed as Halbrand, a man who seemed to be on the side of good when he met Galadriel (Morfydd Clark). However, it was later revealed that he had been working behind the scenes all along.
A new villain, Adar, played by Joseph Mawle, was introduced in Season 1. However, for Season 2, Mawle was replaced by Sam Hazeldine. The reason for this change raises some questions.
Who is Adar in ‘The Rings of Power’?
Adar was originally one of the elves captured by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, during the Elder Days of Middle Earth. Morgoth tortured and twisted Adar, turning him into one of the first orcs. As a result, later generations of orcs called him their “lord father.”
After Morgoth’s defeat, Sauron tried to become the next Dark Lord. However, Adar, who had grown attached to the orcs, did not agree with Sauron’s willingness to sacrifice them for his ambition. Adar led a rebellion against Sauron and destroyed Sauron’s physical form (played by Jack Lowden).
In Season 2, Adar leads the orcs in capturing and controlling the surviving Southlanders. Those who resist are killed. Among his captives is Halbrand, the supposed king of the Southlands and Sauron’s current disguise.
Halbrand convinces Adar that Sauron is still alive and has allied with the elves to destroy Adar and his orcs. To save the Southlanders, Halbrand promises to spy on the elves while Adar prepares his armies for battle.
Why Was Adar’s Actor Replaced?
After Season 1, the decision was made to replace Joseph Mawle as Adar. Mawle explained on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he was leaving to pursue other career opportunities. He expressed his enjoyment in playing the character and appreciated the positive response from fans.
Despite some negative feedback about the series, many viewers liked Adar, with Mawle’s portrayal giving the character a sense of deep weariness. This made him both a figure to pity and hate. Sam Hazeldine, the new actor playing Adar, has a strong background in fantasy shows, including Sandman on Netflix.
Hazeldine’s performance in Season 2 shows he is capable of capturing Adar’s pain and complicated feelings toward the orcs and others. As Season 2 continues, audiences will have more chances to see how Hazeldine’s portrayal differs from Mawle’s.
Adar’s recasting is notable, especially when compared to Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi), a healer from the Southlands who fought against the orcs in Season 1. Boniadi also chose not to return for Season 2. Her character, despite surviving the battles, dies from poison in Season 2, Episode 3, “The Eagle and the Scepter.”
Bronwyn’s role was less significant, so the show could manage her death. However, Adar was a key antagonist in Season 1, especially since Sauron’s identity was unknown.
Although Sauron takes center stage in Season 2, Adar still plays a crucial part. He commands an orc army and forms alliances with figures like the troll Damrod (voiced by Benjamin Walker) to attack the elven region of Eregion.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available for streaming on Prime Video.
