The Rings of Power showrunners dismiss the Dark Wizard Saruman theory: "It would be highly, highly, highly improbable"
Oct. 4, 2024The Rings of Power showrunners are going “on the record” to tell you that Dark Wizard theory is wrong
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It’s not often that showrunners completely dismiss fan theories out of hand. After all, half the fun in watching a new series week to week is the theorycraft and speculation behind each scene and line.
So, it should come as a surprise – and potentially quite telling – that The Rings of Power showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay are here to tell you that the leadingDark Wizardtheory is completely wrong, thank you very much.
Spoilers forThe Rings of Power season 2 endingfollow. You have been warned!
The Dark Wizard’s interactions with Gandalf (the wizard formerly known asThe Stranger), including calling him “old friend"has led many to speculatethat he is, in fact, Saruman.
“I’ll say something on the record. Given the history of Middle-earth, it would be highly, highly, highly improbable that this could be Saruman,” McKay toldVanity Fair. Payne chimed in, “If not impossible.”
“The Dark Wizard has an important role to play in the doings of Middle-earth, and in the development of our wizard, who’s now coming into his own,” McKay added. “Tom Bombadil has told him, ‘You’re destined to face him. And then destined to face Sauron.’ So the Dark Wizard’s fate is not decided and his name is not out there yet, but it would almost defy the laws of gravity and physics for it to be Saruman.”
That sure seems definitive. If that’s the case, there are only three candidates left. After all, five wizards coming to Middle-earthisset in stone in Tolkien’s works: Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and two blue wizards. You’ve got a 33.3% chance of getting it right – now that Saruman isn’t in the mix.
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For more, check out our guide toNarsil, plus our cast interviews withDaniel Weyman on the Gandalf revealandSauron actor Charlie Vickers on the meaning behind his final scenethis year.
I’m the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you’ll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.
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