Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 marked the introduction of The Dark Wizard, which left fans wondering if his real identity is Saruman, the leader of the Istari seen in the LOTR film series.
Since the fantasy drama is based on J. R. R. Tolkien's novels and is set before the movie franchise, viewers and book readers started to draw parallels between The Dark Wizard, played by Ciarán Hinds in the series, and Saruman, played by Christopher Lee in the films.
Fans noticed how both characters are members of the Istari and have similar personality traits, sparking discussions about whether they are the same person in different timelines. However, it has been confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power's The Dark Wizard is not Saruman.
The Dark Wizard from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is not Saruman
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power creators have confirmed that The Dark Wizard is different from Saruman. Though both are a part of the Istari and play antagonists in their respective stories, they are distinct individuals.
Following the conclusion of the second season, creators J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay addressed the theories about The Dark Wizard and Saruman being the same person.
Refuting the rumors, the showrunners stated that based on Middle-earth’s timeline, Saruman can not make an appearance in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. McKay said in an interview with Vanity Fair,
“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. 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.”
Payne reiterated McKay’s thoughts in a Reddit Q&A and explained how The Dark Wizard and Saruman being the same person will not only affect the timeline but also add logical issues to the narrative. He added,
“I think it would be difficult logically to see how he could be Saruman. It would be sort of a “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me” for Gandalf.”
“If the Dark Wizard was going to be Saruman, then he would be an evil wizard that Gandalf was interacting with and fighting in the Second Age. And then he'd have to become good again and regain Gandalf’s trust, only to later turn evil again and betray him. It would sort of strain credulity.”
Who is The Dark Wizard in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?
Now the question arises: if The Dark Wizard is not Saruman, then who is he? While the series has yet to reveal his real identity, it is confirmed that he is one of the five Istari. The rest of the Istari include Gandalf, who goes by the name The Stranger in the show; Radagast the Brown; and the two blue wizards.
In the Reddit Q&A, Patrick McKay revealed that The Dark Wizard could be one of the two blue wizards. He said,
“I think it's hard to say anything is 100%, but we have no plans or intention to have him be Saruman. We are not thinking of him as Saruman. We know there are five wizards talked about in The Lord of the Rings.”
“One of them is Saruman, one of them is Gandalf, one of them is Radagast, and then there are two others. It is our expectation that he will be one of those two others.”
The Dark Wizard's real identity might be revealed in the future seasons of the show.
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The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power seasons 1 and 2 can be watched on Prime Video.
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