With The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 The premiere of the new episodes in the 2024 TV schedule is scheduled for just one week. I’m slowly getting a better idea of what to expect from the latest episodes. Charlie Vickers’ Sauron seems to be a big boost this season as main villain after my head exploded when his name was revealed in the season one finale. However, the news that a second actor will be playing Sauron this season has mixed feelings for me.
I have a problem with Sauron being played by two actors this season
The Rings of Power Opening scene of the second season will bring Sauron, the Orcs and Adar together in a flashback set a thousand years before the events of the prequel series. But instead of Charlie Vickers playing this version of the character, Slow horseInstead, Jack Lowden will portray him in this scene.
This bothers me because I think it takes away Vickers’ power as a major villain at the start of season 2. Of course, it was established that Sauron didn’t always have the same face, perhaps to scare the audience into thinking he could be anyone. However, I think it’s harder for the viewer to build interest, fear, and even sympathy for a villain when he looks different every other scene.
Also, Vickers will have a completely different look as the elf this time around, one that I barely recognize, so why go the extra mile and cast a different actor for the flashbacks? That just makes things confusing.
Charlie Vickers has revealed why he is not the only Sauron actor
During a new Rings of Power Featurette about YouTubeCharlie Vickers spoke with great enthusiasm about the addition of the new actor. He also said the following, which I think points to the decision to have the Middle Earth villain played by more than one actor:
One of his unique powers is the ability to change form.
With that in mind, I think the series will try to convey the idea that Sauron doesn’t just look one way, but has the ability to evolve and adapt to carry out his evil plans across many ages. If Sauron looked the same for too long, people might figure out who he is, so it’s pretty interesting to see him take on new identities over the years.
But if you’re going to go to the trouble of changing Vickers’ appearance for Season 2, why hire a whole new actor for a part of the series? Just make the original actor look different again.
Anyway, I can hardly wait to see what his co-star Cynthia Addai-Robinson is called “Sexy Sauron” this season. I just find this decision strange. You can catch up Rings of Power and look forward to the premiere of the new season on August 29th with a Amazon Prime subscription.
