Rings of Power Season 2: Who is the Dark Wizard?
LORD of the Rings fans can’t get enough of Prime’s spin-off, Rings of Power.
Season 2 of the hit series saw the introduction of the Dark Wizard, and fans have been trying to guess his real identity.
WARNING: The below contains spoilers from Season 2 of Rings of Power.
Rings of Power Season 2 kicked off on Prime on August 29, 2024, and concluded in an explosive season finale on October 3, 2024.
In the second offering of the show, fans got to meet a few new characters with one of them being the mysterious Dark Wizard.
Throughout the series, the character kept fans guessing about his true identity.
However, following the final episode fans think they have finally worked out who the Dark Wizard really is.
Meet the Dark Wizard
Fans first met the Dark Wizard in Rings of Power‘s episode 2 of Season 2.
The character’s official description reads: “It turns out, the mysterious being known as the Stranger is not the only wizard who has come to Middle-earth….for in the mysterious lands of Rhûn, another wizard awaits him.
“A dark and powerful wizard, whose origins and intentions are shrouded in secrecy, and who has a legion of magic-wielding acolytes who obey his every command — among them the three travelers who sought out the Stranger at the end of Season 1…on the Dark Wizard’s orders.”
Fan theories points to Saruman
Fans are convinced that the Dark Wizard is the legendary character, Saruman.
Die hard Lord of the Rings fans will remember that he was played by the late Christopher Lee in the film from 90s.
While not much is revealed about the Dark Wizard, he seems to be very powerful – which immediately points to him being Saruman.
Another clue that he could be Gandalf’s mortal nemesis is his clear dislike for all Hobbits.
Fans are also convinced he is Saruman as actor Ciarán Hinds plays him in a similar way to Christopher Lee‘s original character.
Along with his roaring voice, he also looks the part with heavy bags under his eyes, and black hair with grey and white streaks.
Social media frenzy
After the final episode dropped fans headed to social media to give their verdict.
One wrote: “If the Dark Wizard isn’t Saruman, I’ll eat my hat!”
While another said: “The Dark Wizard has to be Saruman! I need to know now!”
This one is convinced: “Ciaran Hinds is killing it as the Dark Wizard, he is so Saruman!”
Meet actor Ciarán Hinds
Born in Belfast on February 9, 1953, Ciarán Hinds is an actor who is known for his work on the big and small screen.
His film credits include Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2, Justice League, The Woman In Black and Munich.
On TV, Ciarán is best known for Game Of Thrones.
The actor played leader of the Free Folk Mance Rayder from Season 3 to 5, before he was shot through the heart with an arrow.
He has since revealed he stopped watching the show, after his character was killed off.
Ciarán told NME: “I didn’t follow the show once Mance died, so I owe myself a treat once I stop working to watch it from beginning to end.”
He is married to fellow actress Hélène Patarot and plays John Franklin in The Terror, the leader of the Franklin Expedition.