‘The Rings Of Power’ Season 3 Just Gave Gandalf His Most Terrifying Foe Yet
Middle-earth fans have spent years anticipating what happens once the Grey Wizard fully steps into his destiny, and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ has been slowly building toward that moment since the show’s 2022 debut. Prime Video has already put out two full seasons of the series and renewed it for a fourth, expected sometime in 2028, even before the third has premiered. That kind of long game planning has kept the fandom buzzing for any scrap of new footage or artwork.
That buzz reached a new peak this week thanks to Empire Magazine, which spent real time embedded with the production to bring fans closer to the new season than ever before. The outlet reported spending three days on set at Shepperton Studios, wandering the halls of Khazad-dûm and Rivendell, the streets of Númenor, and the depths of Mordor to cover what is shaping up to be the show’s most intense season yet.
Now the reason for all that excitement is clear. As shared by the fan account Fellowship of Fans, Empire’s new subscriber cover reveals Gandalf the Grey standing face to face with a massive Mûmak, staff raised and glowing against the beast towering over him. The artwork, illustrated by Carlos Huante, marks the first look at Gandalf battling a Mûmak of Harad, an Oliphaunt resembling a colossal elephant, and serves as a deep cut nod to J.R.R. Tolkien’s original writing.
The image is a striking departure from the show’s usual promotional style, leaning into a moodier, almost hand drawn aesthetic that fits the darker turn the story is reportedly taking. Empire’s new issue also comes packed with never before seen images and fresh character reveals tied to the forces of good and evil warring for Middle-earth’s soul.
Much of that darkness reportedly centers on Sauron himself. Showrunner Patrick McKay teased just how far the villain’s plans have progressed this season while speaking with Empire, revealing that this is the chapter where Sauron finally forges the One Ring in the volcano, with McKay adding that the season is darker and more dangerous than what came before.
Gandalf’s own journey has been building toward this confrontation for a while. When last seen, Sauron had forged every ring except the One, while Gandalf remained in Rhûn training with Tom Bombadil to prepare for their eventual battle, and the character, played by Daniel Weyman, was only confirmed as Gandalf near the end of season two.
The wait for answers is almost over. ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3 is set to return on November 11, bringing viewers face to face with a Mûmak, a forged Ring, and a wizard who finally seems ready to fight.
With Gandalf now squaring off against one of Tolkien’s most fearsome creatures, do you think this Mûmak showdown will end up being one of Season 3’s defining moments?
