Gandalf's Story Gets “Pretty Epic” in THE RINGS OF POWER Season 3 as He Finally Embraces His Purpose
Gandalf is finally coming into his own in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3, and it sounds like we're about to see a very different version of the wizard. After spending two seasons trying to figure out who he is and what he's supposed to be doing in Middle-earth, Gandalf is ready to put his powers to work.
The Season 2 finale finally confirmed what fans had suspected all along, and that’s that The Stranger, played by Daniel Weyman, was Gandalf. With that mystery officially solved, the upcoming season can focus on what the legendary wizard is actually capable of.
Speaking with SFX magazine, Weyman explained how Gandalf's journey has evolved and why Season 3 represents such a major turning point for the character.
"It’s really interesting how this character has progressed. Season one was very distinctive in that The Stranger knew nothing; he had to learn everything. Season two, he felt more grounded. He found something of himself. And season three, the big difference is that he has grown into himself and realised what his purpose really is."
This is good to know for fans who've been waiting to see Gandalf become the powerful, wise wizard we know from The Lord of the Rings. We've watched him struggle to understand his abilities, and now he's finally figuring out how to use them.
Season 3 also features a five-year time jump, bringing Middle-earth closer to a massive conflict between Sauron and the Elves. Co-showrunner Patrick McKay previously explained that the story picks up at the "tipping point" of an "epic war between Sauron and the Elves".
Those five years should give Gandalf plenty of time to sharpen his magical skills and grow more comfortable with his responsibilities. His time learning from Tom Bombadil also appears to be reaching its conclusion, opening the door for a much bigger adventure.
"The thing that I love about Gandalf probably most is the way he sees the good in other people, even if they can’t see it themselves," Weyman continued. "Then, when Tom Bombadil begins to disappear because he knows that Gandalf is ready, his story suddenly becomes pretty epic."
Gandalf has always been at his best when he's inspiring others, standing against impossible odds, and stepping in when Middle-earth needs him most.
We've seen him face the Balrog in Khazad-dûm and arrive with the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep in Peter Jackson's films. While this younger version of Gandalf still has a long road ahead, it sounds like Season 3 will finally give him some memorable moments of his own.
During San Diego Comic-Con, Weyman also shared more about Gandalf's mission and how he plans to fight the growing darkness spreading across Middle-earth.
"He's on the lookout for people whose hearts have been chilled, that have been frozen. He's going to try and rewarm them… So hopefully, we're going to be watching him through season three, work all ways of helping to defeat [Sauron]."
Of course, Gandalf isn't the only wizard with unfinished business. The mysterious Dark Wizard, played by Ciarán Hinds, remains one of the show's biggest unanswered questions. His true identity has yet to be revealed, but fans apparently won't have to spend another entire season guessing.
McKay previously teased that the answer is coming sooner rather than later, saying, "You'll find out, and you might find out sooner than you think."
Between Gandalf embracing his powers, the mystery surrounding the Dark Wizard, and Sauron's escalating war against the Elves, Season 3 has plenty of interesting stories to explore.
I'm especially looking forward to seeing Gandalf finally take a more active role in the fight against Sauron. The wandering, confused Stranger was an interesting starting point, but it's time to see the wizard become the hero we know he's destined to be.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 premieres November 11 on Prime Video.