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Rings of Power star reacts to devastating season 3 twist - with fans now convinced about one key theory

Fans have been left "broken" by the twist.

Published: Friday, 13 November 2026 at 11:29 am

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Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Rings of Power season 3.

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The Rings of Power season 3 has already taken a devastating turn in its first few episodes, with Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) succumbing to Sauron's powers - with brutal results.

After the death of his mother, Bronwyn, and being separated from Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), Theo is left alone, leaving him vulnerable. The first half of season 3 sees him corrupted by the dark lord (Charlie Vickers).

Eventually, Arondir makes his way back to Theo after rightfully worrying about the youngster. By this point, however, it's too late - and it becomes clear that Theo has joined Sauron's inner circle.

While Arondir tries to reason with Theo, the young man is already under Sauron's spell. In a devastating moment, he plunges his sword into Arondir, killing him.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Times about that moment, actor Muhafidin explained: "The biggest part was trying to keep the essence of Theo there, but at the same time show that he's not there, which I think was a really interesting thing.

"When the ring is on, Theo is gone. But I think the moment he locks eyes with Arondir, he's back. It's almost that he remembered who he was and where he came from and I think he remembered love, which I think is so, so important. I think the last five years coming up to that point, obviously he hadn't seen Arondir up until then, so he had not felt any kind of love for the last five years.

Nazanin Boniadi as Bronwyn, Tyroe Muhafidin as Theo, Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir, Charlie Vickers as Halbrand in The Rings of Power

(L-R) Nazanin Boniadi as Bronwyn, Tyroe Muhafidin as Theo, Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir, Charlie Vickers as Halbrand in The Rings of Power. Ben Rothstein/Prime Video

"And I think the closest thing that he did feel was Sauron, and that wasn't love. That was nothing like that. So I think all he was searching for the whole time was just someone to put an arm around him, and I think it ended up being the wrong person, and Arondir was just a little too late."

Now, fans have speculated that this is just the first step in a very big journey for Theo. In episode 2, Sauron speaks to Theo about his family history, telling him: "You have it in you to be a conqueror. A sorcerer. A king."

Charlie Vickers as Sauron in The Rings of Power season 3

Charlie Vickers as Sauron in The Rings of Power season 3. Prime Video

Considering everything that's happened to Theo, and this very specific wording from Sauron, many viewers have theorised that he will become the Witch-king of Angmar (the Lord of the Nazgûl and a key figure in Tolkien's lore).

The Witch-king of Angmar begins as one of the Nine Mortal Men who receives a ring of power from Sauron, and becomes enslaved to the dark lord - and it very much looks like Theo's journey is going that way.

After all, when speaking to Radio Times, showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay confirmed that this season will feature crucial "tentpole" moments from Tolkien's lore.

Payne said: "Sauron is going to forge the One Ring - we'll get to spend an extended sequence inside of Mount Doom and, and get to see what that actual process was like."

Continuing, he added: "This season we get to see why he made the ring, what it meant to him psychologically, spiritually, physically, so we think there's something for everyone to come in this season.

"Without spoiling everything I would say for fans of Lord of the Rings, for fans of Tolkien's literature this season has four or five major tent pole iconic moments from the lore that you've been waiting to see on screen."

Fighting words!

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available to watch on Prime Video. You can sign up to Prime Video for a 30-day free trial.

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Authors

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

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