The showrunners of The Rings of Power have indicated that season three will reveal the identity of the mysterious Dark Wizard early in its run. The disclosure would clarify a storyline that has prompted speculation among viewers and could shape the show’s wider depiction of Middle-earth’s wizards.

They said that “the masks are off”, suggesting the character will no longer be kept deliberately ambiguous. The Dark Wizard, played by Ciarán Hinds, appeared in season two and was presented as a powerful, hostile figure operating in Rhûn; the programme has not yet confirmed which established Tolkien character, if any, he is intended to be.