Fans theorized The Dark Wizard in LOTR: The Rings of Power could be Saruman, but showrunners confirmed he is not.
The Dark Wizard might be one of the Blue Wizards based on his backstory and interactions with Gandalf in the show.

Show hints suggest The Dark Wizard’s identity aligns with Tolkien’s early writings, potentially setting up rich storytelling in Season 3.

With all the buzz surrounding Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, fans have been spinning plenty of theories about key characters and plot twists they think they’ve uncovered. However, the show’s producers are shutting down one major fan theory.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 has unveiled a slew of new characters inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, yet the true identity of one particular wizard remains shrouded in mystery. Fans were thrilled when Season 2’s finale confirmed the Stranger’s true name, portrayed by Daniel Weyman, aligning with many speculations. However, the enigmatic Dark Wizard, played by Ciarán Hinds, continues to perplex viewers, with his exact identity still under wraps. As fans speculate whether he might be a legendary villain from The Lord of the Rings saga, the show’s creators seem to have dropped hints about his true nature, leaving audiences eagerly guessing.

In recent interviews, The Rings of Power showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne addressed the fan theory suggesting that the Dark Wizard might be Saruman, famously played by the late Christopher Lee in Peter Jackson’s films. The theory gained traction since Hinds’ character bears a resemblance to a younger Saruman. Additionally, before The Stranger’s reveal as Gandalf the Grey, the Istar had a cryptic interaction with the Dark Wizard of Rhûn, who referred to Gandalf as an “old friend.” This led some fans to speculate that the Dark Wizard could actually be Saruman the White. However, McKay and Payne have firmly debunked this idea, making it clear that the Dark Wizard is not Saruman. “We know that in the history of Middle-earth, some wizards become corrupted,” McKay explained to The Hollywood Reporter. “So there is precedent for this, but that doesn’t mean it’s the same guy.” In a separate chat with Vanity Fair McKay stated, “Given the history of Middle-earth, it would be highly, highly, highly improbable that this could be Saruman,” Payne added, “If not impossible.”

The identity of the Dark Wizard remains a mystery, and while his name hasn’t been revealed, it’s nearly impossible for him to be Saruman. So, if the Dark Wizard isn’t Saruman, then who could he be? Beyond Saruman and Gandalf, there’s Radagast the Brown and two unnamed Blue Wizards, as Payne hinted to THR, adding, “that’s all we’ll say.” In Middle-earth, only five wizards, or Istari, are known. We already know that the Stranger in The Rings of Power is Gandalf, and the Dark Wizard is not Saruman. This leaves few possibilities, but Radagast seems unlikely, given his alliance with Gandalf during Middle-earth’s Third Age. It’s tough to picture Radagast and Gandalf staying on good terms after the way the Dark Wizard treats the Stoors and Harfoots in The Rings of Power Season 2 finale.

That makes the two Blue Wizards prime suspects, with another potential clue surfacing in The Rings of Power Season 2 finale. The Dark Wizard hints at a past friendship with Gandalf, revealing they were close during their time in Valinor before becoming wizards in Middle-earth. This aligns with the backstory of the Blue Wizards, where Alatar, chosen by the Valar, invites his friend Pallando to accompany him on a mission to Middle-earth. Together, they became the two Blue Wizards, eventually fading into obscurity in Tolkien’s lore. It seems the show’s writers could be blending the Blue Wizards’ origins with Gandalf’s story, adding deeper personal stakes to the conflict between the Stranger and the Dark Wizard.

While the true identity of the Dark Wizard remains uncertain, the idea of him being a corrupted Blue Wizard aligns well with Tolkien’s early writings about these mysterious characters. This speculation fits seamlessly into the rich LOTR lore, setting up intriguing possibilities for The Rings of Power Season 3. Tolkien’s works often explore the theme of powerful figures being lured to darkness—like Gandalf, who refuses the Ring to avoid its corruption, and Saruman, who believes his shift to evil could save the world, however warped that logic might be. The idea that even wizards can be swayed to the dark side makes the prospect of Ciarán Hinds’ portrayal all the more exciting. And if Prime Video moves forward with a deserved third season, fans might just get the full backstory they’ve been eagerly awaiting.

The Rings of Power is streaming on Prime Video.