Why The Rings Of Power Season 2 Recast Season 1's Villain, Adar

Summary Actor Joseph Mawle exited The Rings of Power to pursue new roles, and the character Adar was recast for season 2.

Sam Hazeldine is taking over as Adar, and his experience in major fantasy series is reassuring for his success.

Adar's role will likely be smaller in season 2 as the focus shifts to Sauron, setting the stage for the true threat.

The villain Adar has been recast for The Rings of Power season 2, and the actor change might leave viewers wondering why Joseph Mawle is no longer portraying the character. Adar is a character original to The Rings of Power, and he plays a fairly mysterious role throughout season 1 of the Prime Video series. It's later revealed that he's one of the Elves and that he was tortured by Morgoth. After Morgoth's reign ends, Adar makes it his goal to conquer the Southlands for his army of Orcs, whom he refers to as his "children."

Mawle plays Adar perfectly in The Rings of Power season 1, conveying the villain's bitterness over his past and compassion for the Orcs impressively. The actor's performance makes Adar a compelling character, even with all his wrongdoing. After Mawle's stint as Benjen Stark in Game of Thrones, it's no surprise the actor fit right into a major fantasy series. However, another star will be tasked with capturing the complexity of Adar's character in The Rings of Power season 2, and the reason for this switch-up is fairly straightforward.

Related The Rings Of Power Season 2 Wishlist: 10 Things We Want To See The Rings of Power season 1 set up several stories that need further exploration in season 2, as well as the addition of some key Second Age moments.

Joseph Mawle Quit As Adar To Explore Other Opportunities & Roles

The Actor Already Has Other Projects Lined Up

Mawle's departure from The Rings of Power was announced in December 2022, not long after the first season of the Prime Video series concluded. The actor took to Twitter to explain his reasons for not returning for The Rings of Power season 2, and they have to do with his career aspirations. Mawle wished The Rings of Power cast and crew well, and he expressed gratitude for his time playing Adar. However, the actor admitted his desire to explore other opportunities, writing, "Though as an actor it remains my wish, my job description to explore new characters and worlds."

Since bidding farewell to Amazon's Lord of the Rings series, Mawle has already appeared in two other TV shows: 1923 and Mary & George. Neither has gotten the amount of attention The Rings of Power did, but it's possible the actor is looking for more low-key projects. Mawle also has another TV series and a movie lined up. The former Rings of Power star will play Saul in the Biblical drama The Way of the Wind. Mawle will also portray Fitzosbern in the television series King and Conqueror.

Who Plays Adar In The Rings Of Power Season 2 (& Where You Know Them From)

Sam Hazeldine Is Taking Over The Villain Role

With Mawle leaving The Rings of Power behind, the Prime Video series was tasked with recasting Adar for season 2. Sam Hazeldine will bring Adar to life in the Amazon show's sophomore season, and the actor will need to master the villain's mannerisms to ensure a seamless transition. Adar has a limited amount of screen time in the first outing, so it's possible the shift won't be as noticeable as swapping actors for a main character. Still, Hazeldine has big shoes to fill after Mawle's take on the character. Fortunately, he has plenty of impressive acting experience.

Sam Hazeldine will bring Adar to life in the Amazon show's sophomore season, and the actor will need to master the villain's mannerisms to ensure a seamless transition.

Like Mawle, Hazeldine also has a history of appearing in major fantasy series. The new Adar actor played Barnaby in Netflix's The Sandman, as well as Eredin in The Witcher. Both roles are relatively small, but they prove the actor is capable of immersing himself into a fantasy franchise. Viewers will also recognize Hazeldine from shows like Masters of the Air, Rain Dogs, Slow Horses, and Peaky Blinders. The actor also has a number of movies under his belt, including Ridley Scott's 2021 fantasy release, The Last Duel.

Adar's Role Will Be Much Smaller In The Rings Of Power Season 2

Season 1's Sauron Reveal Sets Up A Bigger Threat

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Although Hazeldine's experience is reassuring, it's likely the actor won't have a huge role as Adar in The Rings of Power season 2. While Adar gets away at the end of Rings of Power season 1, there's not much left for him to do now that the Southlands are destroyed. Additionally, it doesn't seem that he'll be the primary villain of the second outing. After all, Halbrand reveals that he's Sauron during the season 1 finale, setting the stage for The Lord of the Rings show's true antagonist to wreak havoc on Middle-earth in the coming episodes.

With Halbrand's Sauron making his next move in The Rings of Power season 2, it's hard to see how the Prime Video series will make time for villainous antics from Adar as well. It's possible he'll pursue Sauron — he certainly has a grudge against the villain — or show up elsewhere. However, between the recasting and new villain, Adar's Rings of Power looks minimal.

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