Simon Pegg’s Fiery Balrog Rises From the Depths of Moria in THE RINGS OF POWER Season 3 Poster
Prime Video has released a new poster for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3, putting the terrifying creature of Moria front and center.
The massive demon, known to Tolkien fans as Durin's Bane, is getting a much bigger role this season, and Simon Pegg (The Boys, Star Trek) will be providing its voice. One of Morgoth's ancient fire demons is actually going to speak, which should make for a pretty interesting addition to the mythology of Middle-earth.
The casting announcement came during the show's San Diego Comic-Con panel earlier this year, where the creative team revealed that the Balrog will be more than a giant, flaming monster looking to destroy everything in its path.
Fans will remember that the creature first stirred from its ancient slumber in the Season 1 finale. Things got considerably worse in Season 2 when King Durin ignored his son's warnings and continued digging beneath Khazad-dûm, eventually unleashing the beast.
Realizing the disaster he'd caused, Durin made one final stand against the Balrog, sacrificing himself in an attempt to protect the Dwarven kingdom from destruction.
Now, Season 3 is taking the creature in a fascinating direction. The Balrog will reportedly play a part in Sauron's pursuit of the knowledge needed to forge the One Ring. During the SDCC panel, the creature was described as an "intelligent, dangerous adversary," suggesting there's a lot more going on inside that flaming skull than we've seen before.
Co-showrunner J.D. Payne explained that the team wanted to explore a different side of the monster, including a potential encounter with Middle-earth's biggest villain.
"We want to show a different side of him. We are crazy stupid or wild enough to think in this season he should have a scene with Sauron.”
A conversation between Sauron and the Balrog sounds like it could be one of the most interesting scenes of the season. These are two immensely powerful beings connected to Morgoth, and seeing them interact could offer a whole new perspective on the evil forces operating in Middle-earth.
Pegg is an especially fun choice for the role. He's best known for his comedic work and memorable performances in major genre franchises, so hearing him bring an ancient demonic creature to life should be something different. It'll be interesting to see what kind of personality he gives the Balrog.
Season 3 is also introducing several new characters, including Eddie Marsan (Clayface) as Thrain, King Durin IV's older brother. Andrew Richardson (Guys & Dolls) joins as Anarion, the younger son of Elendil and brother of Isildur, while Adam Young (Don't Breathe 2) will portray Marnûkh, “a mysterious Orc who may not be what he seems.”
The returning ensemble includes Morfydd Clark, Benjamin Walker, Charles Edwards, Charlie Vickers, Markella Kavenagh, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Tyroe Muhafidin, Maxim Baldry, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Owain Arthur, Trystan Gravelle, Ema Horvath, Sophia Nomvete, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Leon Wadham, Daniel Weyman, and Sara Zwangobani.
For a reminder of where the story stands, Prime Video previously shared the following official descriptions of Season 2: "Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will."
"Building on Season 1’s epic scope and ambition, Season 2 of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity."
"Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots... as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all.. each other."
With Sauron's plans moving forward and the Balrog apparently becoming an important part of the story, Season 3 has some intriguing developments in store.
I'm particularly curious to see how the writers handle a talking Balrog. In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the creature was a terrifying force of destruction, and its confrontation with Gandalf remains one of the franchise's most iconic moments.
Giving Durin's Bane a voice and an actual conversation with Sauron is a pretty wild creative choice, but it could also make the creature even more intimidating.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 premieres November 11 on Prime Video.
