Joseph Mawle replaced as Adar in The Rings of Power season 2

The first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was a hit for Amazon, even as it received mixed reactions among fans of J.R.R. Tolkien. Amazon is forging ahead with season 2, and just announced a new crop of actors.

The biggest news is probably that Joseph Mawle, who Game of Thrones fans will remember as the stalwart Benjen Stark, is being replaced. In The Rings of Power season 1, Mawle played the corrupted elf Adar. He was instrumental in creating the land of Mordor, which he intends to be a homeland for orcs. Also apparently he “killed” Sauron sometime back?

I’m sure we’ll find out more about that later. But when we do, it will be with actor Sam Hazeldine playing the role. Amazon doesn’t mention why the part is being recast, only that it is. The Rings of Power has a large cast and these things sometimes happen, so I wouldn’t read too much into it…although if you want to indulge in conspiracy theories about Mawle abandoning a sinking ship, you are free to do so.

UPDATE: Mawle later tweeted about why he was leaving the role:

Meet the new cast members of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2

Amazon also included headshots of the new actors. Here’s Hazeldine, who certainly looks grim enough to play an orc leader:

There are several other newcomers as well, although we don’t know who they’re playing. Take a look:

“We welcome these wonderful actors to our ‘fellowship’ and look forward to telling more incredible Second Age stories in season two,” said Amazon Studios executive Vernon Sanders. Expect The Rings of Power season 2 to come along sometime in 2024.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels