The third season of The Rings of Power will expand its connection to The Lord of the Rings by introducing further members of the Númenórean line that eventually leads to Aragorn, as well as the Balrog. The additions matter because they bring major figures and events from Tolkien’s wider mythology closer to the series’ central conflict with Sauron.

Andrew Richardson will play Anárion, Elendil’s younger son and Isildur’s brother, while Simon Pegg will voice the Balrog, a powerful creature later known for its battle with Gandalf. Season three is set several years after season two, during the War of the Elves and Sauron, and is expected to show Sauron forging the One Ring.