News The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power The Rings of Power Season 3 Trailer Is All About Sauron Sauron-maxxing (sorry) By Matthew Byrd | Published on July 24, 2026 Photo Credit Prime Video Comment 0 Share New Share Photo Credit Prime Video The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power got a new trailer at SDCC 2026, and wouldn’t you know that it focuses on that kooky dark lord Sauron and the forging of the One Ring. The preview is actually quite generous in terms of new footage given how little we’ve seen of the show’s third season thus far. And though there are a few lovely shots of beloved characters wandering across scenic settings, the tone of the preview is, understandably, quite dark. After all, the previous season ended with King Durin III dying, Sauron obtaining the Nine Rings for Men after killing Celebrimbor, and the Free Peoples generally in disarray as Sauron gains more and more power. Things are looking grim, y’all. Set against what appears to be Sauron’s forging of the One Ring, this preview reveals an inevitable, but dramatic, conclusion: it’s time for everyone to unite or be conquered by the forces of Mordor. As an… on the nose line of dialogue puts it, “The Dark Lord… we have to stop him.” Visually, The Rings of Power remains a remarkable accomplishment. The seemingly militaristic nature of this season is certainly a fine way for the show’s costume designers to flaunt the incredible armor they have crafted, while the shots of Mordor capture the intensity and volatility of Sauron’s domain. So far as that goes, it’s easier than ever to see where the hundreds of millions of dollars the show reportedly cost to make went. Narratively, we of course have a slightly better idea of where things are heading as the series works its way towards some of the most notable events in Lord of the Rings lore. By many accounts, the series’ second season improved by utilizing a more driving plot that greatly increased the stakes of the series’ sometimes lackadaisical and meandering debut season. The drive demonstrated in this trailer certainly suggests the series will continue in that direction, though it remains to be seen if one of the more divisive series in recent memory finally finds its footing. We won’t have to wait too much longer to find out, though, as The Rings of Power Season 3 is set to debut on Prime Video on November 11.[end-mark] The post <i>The Rings of Power</i> Season 3 Trailer Is All About Sauron appeared first on Reactor.