"The Rings of Power" Season 3 confirms that the Dark Wizard is Pallando the Blue Wizard, not Saruman, resolving a major mystery from J.R.R. Tolkien's source material. Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay reveal the character's identity in the first four episodes.
Pallando murdered his fellow Blue Wizard and companion Alatar, an act so malevolent it transformed the green realm of Rhûn into a desolated wasteland. The wizard now seeks power from Sauron in a desperate attempt to correct his greatest mistake, though he is not entirely repentant. Tolkien's source material states only that the Blue Wizards failed their mission and their fates remain unknown at the start of "The Lord of the Rings," making them presumed dead.
Season 3 also clarifies other character identities. Daniel Weyman's character is confirmed as Gandalf. Charlie Vickers plays Sauron as a major focus of the season. Tyroe Muhafidin's character Theo is revealed as a Ringwraith. Ciarán Hinds portrays Pallando.
Early reactions to Season 3 have praised Sauron's prominence in the story. Gandalf may have an opportunity to save the Blue Wizard, though more remains to be learned about Pallando's arc. "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" streams on Prime Video.