Who is Adar in The Rings of Power and why was he recast?

Of course, there are numerous other significant players in this saga, some from Tolkien's source material and others created specifically for this show, with orc leader Adar falling in the latter category.

Finally, in season 2 episode 4, we see Galadriel and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) meet Adar – but what will happen between the characters? Will there be conflict, or could they form an alliance?

Introduced by Game of Thrones alum Joseph Mawle in season 1, the character became a fan-favourite for his nuance and mystery as he led a plan to conquer the Southlands once and for all.

His storyline will continue in the second chapter, with the actor teasing a potential alliance between him and Galadriel. But eagle-eyed viewers will notice that Mawle has been swapped out for Slow Horses actor Sam Hazeldine.

Here, we break down exactly why the role of Adar was recast and give you all the background information on the character that you need.

Who plays Adar in The Rings of Power season 2?

The mantle of Adar has been taken up by Sam Hazeldine for the second season, and likely the rest of the show’s run.

Joseph Mawle stepped down from the role of Adar just after season 1 finished airing in December of 2022.

Hazeldine has previously starred in Slow Horses, The Sandman and Peaky Blinders, to name but a few shows.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Hazeldine discussed taking on the role of Adar from Mawle, saying, "I worked with him (Mawle) years ago. I think he’s a fantastic actor, and I really loved what he did in the first season.

"So it was actually a pleasure to take the baton from him. Obviously we don’t look the same, but the character is instantly recognisable."

Asked by ComicBook.com whether taking over the role was a challenge, he said: "No, it wasn't actually. It was honestly a pleasure."

He added: "I think that's because it was such a rich character that's been created by the writers and by Joseph in season 1. And so, it was a real privilege to take on that character and see where the story takes him from there. So, I really enjoyed it. I just loved every part of it."

Hazeldine also exclusively told RadioTimes.com of Adar's role in season 2: "Adar's work is kind of done at the end of the first season1. He's created Mordor and has a home for the orcs and that's kind of it until Sauron comes back and then it's like, 'We've got to do something about this.'"

As for whether Adar and Galadriel could ever form an alliance, he added: "We're looking at the options and seeing what we could do to counteract the threat of Sauron, for sure. We're not the best of friends so it's a careful balance we have to do to see if we can trust each other or not."

Why was Adar recast in The Rings of Power?

Whenever a role in a major show is recast, there are naturally a lot of questions about the what and the why.

In the case of Joseph Mawle and Adar though, the reasons were straightforward – he wanted to explore other career opportunities on-screen.

Mawle took to X to explain his own decision to step away from the role.

"I loved my time exploring Middle-earth and diving into Tolkien’s mythology. I’m so honoured that the character was liked. He cared deeply about telling you his story.

"Though as an actor it remains my wish, my job description to explore new characters and worlds. Wishing all the best to cast and crew for S2, I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines."

Since, Mawle has starred in Yellowstone spin-off 1923 as Captain Shipley, and Mary and George as Sir Walter Raleigh.

Who is Adar in The Rings of Power?

Adar is one of the Moriondor - the very first Elves corrupted by Sauron's predecessor, the Dark Lord Morgoth.

The word "Adar" comes from the Elvish language of Sindarin, meaning "Father", explaining that paternal bond he shares with the Orcs in his care.

While some characters in the show assumed him to be Sauron, this suggestion angered Adar, building his resentment of Sauron. Adar was once Sauron's right-hand man but betrayed him after seeing his cruelty towards the orcs.

During season 1 of The Rings of Power, Adar is on a mission to provide a home for his "children", free from the influence of Sauron - who he believed he killed years before the events of the series. Adar sought the mysterious Hilt that was then possessed by Bronwyn's son Theo, which would help him to achieve his plans.

Adar is not seen until the end of the third episode, and even then is shown out of focus as we learn Arondir is being brought to him by the orcs.

In the fourth episode, Arondir witnesses Adar hold a dying orc before ending its life. Adar also recalls his own life as an Elf. Arondir asks Adar why the orcs call him "Father", but Adar tells Arondir that he has been fed many lies throughout his life.

Adar reveals that he is no god - not yet. He then frees Arondir to go to his old watch-tower with a message.

When Arondir arrives at the watch-tower, he tells the human Bronwyn that Adar has offered the Southlanders the chance to swear fealty to him and follow him or he will destroy them.

In the sixth episode, Adar's army attacked the watch-tower, but fell foul of a trap set by Arondir. In response, Adar's remaining orcs went on to launch an all-out assault on the Southlanders.

Eventually, the third wave of orcs overwhelmed the Southlanders and threatening Bronwyn saw Theo give up the Hilt to Adar.

When the forces of Numenor arrive to liberate the Southlands, Adar enacts his plan and hands of the mysterious Hilt we saw repeatedly throughout the season to Waldreg (Geoff Morrell), a human supporter of the forces of darkness.

Waldreg plants the Hilt in an altar at the watch-tower, sparking a great flood that leads all the way down the various tunnels Adar and his children had created, flowing into a volcano and triggering a cataclysmic volcanic eruption.

This marked the birth of Mordor, and the awakening of Mount Doom.

In all of the chaos, Adar escaped his captivity at the hands of Galadriel and Halbrand - but not before the show planted a lot of seeds for future conflict between himself and Sauron.

Who was Adar to Sauron in The Rings of Power?

After Morgoth's defeat, Adar became a servant to Sauron and even became his right-hand man.

While he initially served Sauron faithfully, he became displeased with Sauron's treatment of his "children" (the orcs) and lost faith in him.

He eventually turned on Sauron and attempted to assassinate him. For years, Adar believed he had killed Sauron.

Is The Rings of Power's Adar in JRR Tolkien's books?

No. While most of the characters in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are characters from Tolkien’s mythology, Adar is one of the few original characters created for the show.

While the character remains an enigma as to his ultimate role, he does provide a humanising aspect to the orcs - something no other adaptation of Tolkien’s work has been able to accomplish.

There was a lot of speculation during season 1 that Adar may be a disguise of Sauron himself, but the finale’s reveal of Halbrand’s true identity put those to rest.

Other theories have questioned whether he is an adaptation of the Witch-king of Angmar, or one of the other Ringwraiths - but it seems unlikely, given their characters all being men is a central point of their fall to Sauron.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 premieres on Thursday 29th August 2024 on Prime Video. Sign up now for a free 30-day Prime Video trial.

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