Peaky Blinders actor Sam Hazeldine and The Witcher's Yasen 'Yates' Atour have been cast in the second season of Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
While Atour's role is being kept under wraps for the time being (though we do know it will be a recurring one), Hazeldine will be replacing Joseph Mawle as the Orc leader Adar. The reason for the recast remains unclear.
Also confirmed to be making their Middle-earth debuts in yet-to-be-disclosed roles are Ridley Road's Gabriel Akuwudike, The Crown's Ben Daniels, Amelia Kenworthy, Persuasion's Nia Towle, and Skyfall's Nicholas Woodeson.
Related: Rings of Power star learned they were playing iconic Lord of the Rings villain after filming began
"Since its premiere, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been bringing audiences together to experience the magic and wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien's magnificent Middle-earth," Vernon Sanders, Amazon Studios' Head of Global Television, said in a statement.
"To date, season one is the top Original series for Prime Video in every region and has been viewed by over 100 million people worldwide, a truly global hit that speaks to the universal nature of powerful storytelling.
"We welcome these wonderful actors to our 'fellowship' and look forward to telling more incredible Second Age stories in season two."
Related: Rings of Power cut scene would have revealed big Durin secret
Rings of Power executive producer Lindsey Weber previously warned fans that season two will be a "little scarier" than the last season considering Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) was unmasked as the dark lord Sauron.
"Season two is fundamentally different in that our main villain is out and about, and doing his thing," she said. "I think in some ways, it's going to grittier, more intense, maybe a little scarier."
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power streams on Prime Video.
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After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022. In this role, Iona writes across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. During her time at Digital Spy, she has interviewed multiple Love Island stars, reported from the Black Adam red carpet and, most recently, interviewed the cast of Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid.
