The Rings of Power showrunners dismiss the Dark Wizard Saruman theory: "It would be highly, highly, highly improbable"

EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Rings of Power showrunners dismiss the Dark Wizard Saruman theory: “It would be highly, highly, highly improbable"When 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 showrunners dismiss the Dark Wizard Saruman theory: “It would be highly, highly, highly improbable"When 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: Prime Video) It’s not often that showrunners completely dismiss fan theories out of hand. After all, half the fun in watching a new series week to week is the theorycraft and speculation behind each scene and line. So, it should come as a surprise – and potentially quite telling – that The Rings of Power showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay are here to tell you that the leadingDark Wizardtheory is completely wrong, thank you very much. Spoilers forThe Rings of Power season 2 endingfollow. You have been warned! The Dark Wizard’s interactions with Gandalf (the wizard formerly known asThe Stranger), including calling him “old friend"has led many to speculatethat he is, in fact, Saruman. “I’ll say something on the record. Given the history of Middle-earth, it would be highly, highly, highly improbable that this could be Saruman,” McKay toldVanity Fair. Payne chimed in, “If not impossible.” “The Dark Wizard has an important role to play in the doings of Middle-earth, and in the development of our wizard, who’s now coming into his own,” McKay added. “Tom Bombadil has told him, ‘You’re destined to face him. And then destined to face Sauron.’ So the Dark Wizard’s fate is not decided and his name is not out there yet, but it would almost defy the laws of gravity and physics for it to be Saruman.” That sure seems definitive. If that’s the case, there are only three candidates left. After all, five wizards coming to Middle-earthisset in stone in Tolkien’s works: Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and two blue wizards. You’ve got a 33.3% chance of getting it right – now that Saruman isn’t in the mix. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox For more, check out our guide toNarsil, plus our cast interviews withDaniel Weyman on the Gandalf revealandSauron actor Charlie Vickers on the meaning behind his final scenethis year. 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