Warning: SPOILERS for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 8!The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay have responded strongly to this idea, addressing theories about the Dark Wizard being Saruman. The Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds) was first introduced as an antagonist when The Stranger (Daniel Weyman), Nori (Markella Kavenaugh) and Poppy (Megan Richards) traveled to Rhûn. the end of Rings of Power In season 2, we saw him call The Stranger “an old friend“His long beard and staff lead some to believe that the evil wizard is actually Saruman the White.
talking to Vanity Fair, Payne and McKay confirmed the Dark Wizard Rings of Power Not Saruman. The duo explains how Middle Earth's history has yet to explain his arrival, meaning this new wizard is someone they haven't met before. Showrunners explain that the Stranger, who turns out to be Gandalf, will have to fight him at some point. They also mention other wizards from JRR Tolkien's work, Radagast the Brown and the two Blue Wizards, but do not elaborate on any connection. Check out what Payne and McKay had to say below:
Patrick McKay:
No, no, I'll say something on the record. Given the history of Middle Earth, this is a high, high,
high
It is unlikely that it could be Saruman.JD Payne:
If not possible.Patrick McKay:
The Dark Wizard has an important role in the affairs of Middle-earth and the development of our now-coming wizard. Tom Bombadil told him, “You will face him. Then you will face Sauron.” So the fate of the Dark Wizard is not settled and his name is not out there yet, but being Saruman would almost certainly defy the laws of gravity and physics.JD Payne:
There's a brown Radagast and then two blue wizards – and that's about all we'll say.
What The Dark Wizard Not Being Saruman Means For The Rings Of Power
The identity of the magician still remains a mystery
The Dark Wizard was last seen attempting to ally Gandalf before deciding to destroy the house of the Stoors and depart for parts unknown. Although the good Istar is able to save everyone who embarks on a journey to Middle-earth after their homes disappear, the identity of the antagonistic sorceress is never revealed. However, he clearly knew who the Stranger wasexpressing Rings of power characters share a past that the heroic magic user cannot remember. This sets the stage for an inevitable conflict in the future.
Given the potential connection between the Dark Wizard and Gandalf, He seems to be one of the Blue Wizards mentioned by Tolkien but never fully explored in his works.. This would make sense given Radagast's passive nature in Middle-earth canon, along with opportunities for McKay and Payne to develop Alatar or Pallandro in their own way. Another possibility is that he is an entirely new character, expanding the lore of the Wizards by making him a unique force within Rhûn, as Adar did for Mordor.
Our Verdict on The Dark Wizard Not Being Saruman
Keeps Rings of Power from being TOO predictable
While the Stranger's identity as Gandalf was already known in season 1, the fact that the Dark Wizard is not Saruman makes his identity almost unexpected, especially considering how little is known about him. It looks like the answers won't come until they do Rings of Power The earliest season 3, potentially opening up a whole new world about wizards and their role in Tolkien's lore. Now with a new conflict building between two magic users, answers about his identity will soon be on the horizon.
Rings of Power
It is planned to continue until the 5th season.
Source: Vanity Fair