The Rings of Power season 2 opens with a dark flashback for Sauron, tease showrunners of Lord of the Rings show

EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Rings of Power season 2 opens with a dark flashback for Sauron, tease showrunners of Lord of the Rings showWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Rings of Power season 2 opens with a dark flashback for Sauron, tease showrunners of Lord of the Rings showWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Ross Ferguson/Prime Video) The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2doesn’t pick up where the season1 finale left off. Speaking to Total Film magazine on a set visit for the fantasy show’s sophomore season, showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne confirm the details, teasing a dark opening for the Prime Video series’ long-awaited return. “Do you want to hear the opening?” an excited McKay asks tellsTotal Film in our new issueout on Thursday, July 19, which featuresAlien: Romuluson the cover. “We open in the darkness, an orc walks in, and we see there are thousands of orcs gathered. He’s about to be crowned, pitching his vision of Middle-earth, and right before they lay the crown on his head, his right-hand man, Adar, turns it upside down, and stabs him in the back. It’s the assassination of Sauron.” It’s a bold opening, setting the tone for what’s to come in a season thatthe showrunners previously told us is “all about the villains.“The flashback also teases that we’ll learn more of the history betweenSauron(Charlie Vickers) andAdar(Sam Hazeldine), as it takes place at the end of theFirst Age, afterMorgothhas been defeated and Sauron is demanding fealty from his followers. “Right from the beginning, Sauron is the center of gravity,” McKay adds of the moment when TF catches up with him a year later. “It’s an ensemble show, but the focus is starting to get pulled towards him. He’s driving everything.” In our new exclusive feature on season 2, Total Film also has a new look at Morfydd Clark as Galadriel. In the image, which you can see below, the powerful elf is ready for combat as war comes to Middle-earth. (Image credit: Ross Ferguson/Prime Video) The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 begins on Prime Video on August 29. For much more, read our full interview with McKay, Payne, and cast in the new issue of Total Film. It hits shelves and digital newsstands on Thursday, July 19. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox Check out the covers below: (Image credit: 20th Century Studios/Disney) Pre-order the issue hereto bag your copy, orclick here to subscribe to Total Filmand never miss another exclusive. You’ll get every issue before it’s in stores, and you’ll get subscriber-exclusive covers. 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