The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerseason 2 features multiple versions of Sauron, fromCharlie Vickers' Fair FormtoJack Lowden’s past iteration of the villain. And the Amazon series briefly sees a third and fourth actor stepping into the role, one of whom should do so again before season 3 is through. Although Lowden’s opening scene as Sauron got a lot of attention whenThe Rings of Powerseason 2 premiered, these later takes on the character weren’t talked about nearly as much. That’s a shame, as they showcase one of his best abilities from Tolkien’s lore.
Sauron’s shape-shifting power isn’t showninThe Lord of the Rings,butThe Rings of Powerseason 2 finally utilizes it properly. Although he initially shifts into Halbrand — the mortal identity he claims in season 1, who is portrayed by the same actor — he later turns into two other characters.This means two more stars get to play Sauron in season 2’s finale, leaning into his cruelty while looking like completely different people. And while one of them can no longer step into Sauron’s shoes in season 3, the other should before they no longer have the opportunity.
Morfydd Clark Played Sauron When He Shape-Shifted Into Galadriel
Vickers is the main actor who plays Sauron in Amazon’sLord of the Ringsshow, but two otherRings of Powercast membersbriefly tackle the villain in season 2’s finale: Morfydd Clark and Charles Edwards. When Sauron and Galadriel are fighting one-on-one, Sauron begins shape-shifting in order to unnerve her. After taking on the appearance of Halbrand,he morphs into Galadriel herself, then Celebrimbor. This gives Clark and Edwards the opportunity to bring theLord of the Ringsvillain to life, and it’s a delightful change of pace for both.
Clark and Edwards obviously still look like their characters during this scene. However, that makes their efforts to bring Sauron’s mannerisms to life more impressive. Both do a good job of differentiating between their original characters and the ones being mimicked by the villain. It’s a fun addition to the series, but sadly, Celebrimbor’s death at theend ofThe Rings of Powerseason 2means Edwards won’t be able to repeat it. Clark, on the other hand, will be back as Galadriel inThe Rings of Powerseason 3— andshe should take another crack at Sauron as well.
Rings Of Power Season 3 Should Bring Morfydd Clark Back As The Villain One More Time
It Would Be Fun To See The Galadriel Star In A Different Light
Part of the reason it’s so entertaining to see Clark take on the role of Sauron inThe Rings of Powerseason 2 is that she’s typically playing the morally righteous Galadriel.The shift from hero to villain allows viewers to glimpse a new side of the actor’s talents, showcasing her range. And she does an impressive job of being two Galadriels at once, managing to capture the character we’re so accustomed to alongside a darker, more intimidating version of her.
This glance at Clark as a villain is intriguing enough to make me want more of it in season 3, and I’m hopingThe Rings of Powerwill take advantage of Galadriel’s next confrontation with Sauron. Of course, he can take on her appearance even without being near her. But given their intense back-and-forth over the past couple of seasons, seeing Sauron taunt her in this way is especially appealing. It’s likely the last time the show can do this, so hopefully, it will make it count.
Why Morfydd Clark Likely Can’t Be Sauron Again After Season 3
Sauron’s Shape-Shifting Will Likely Be Limited After The Finale
The Rings of Powerseason 3 is probably Clark’s last chance to play Sauronas he shape-shifts into Galadriel, as the villain will likely have limited access to that power after its finale. Although there’s no confirmation of what will be covered in the third outing,the Fall of Númenoris fast approaching. This event is a huge turning point in Middle-earth’s history, and the first two seasons ofThe Rings of Powerhave already set the stage for it.
Once Sauron begins to lose his shape-shifting power, he won’t be able to mimic Galadriel or any of the Elves any longer.
It seems inevitable that the kingdom will perish inThe Rings of Powerseason 3, and that means Sauron will lose his ability to transform into Annatar and his other fair forms, just as he does in Tolkien’s legendarium. OnceSauron begins to lose his shape-shifting power, he won’t be able to mimic Galadriel or any of the Elves any longer. He’ll be forced to take a darker, more sinister appearance, which will be equally interesting. But before he does, I hope we get to see him transform into Galadriel one last time.
