Orc Leader Adar Will Be Recast For Amazon's The Rings Of Power Season 2

Orcs. The mere mention of this fearsome species from the lands of Middle-earth probably invokes several images of bloodthirsty killers, raiders, and that prolific leitmotif that runs through the original "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Plaguing the kingdoms of humanity, destroying the lands of Elves, and tormenting the peaceful halflings, the orcs often act as the rank and file of the evil armies of Mordor and the Dark Lord Sauron. Although they generally appear to be brutish and dimwitted, the orcs have managed to utilize industry in their vile war efforts, as illustrated by their foundries in "The Two Towers."

In Amazon's "Rings of Power," which is set way before both "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" trilogies, the orcs are still a scourge on all that is good and right in Middle-earth. The origin of the orcs is a source of tremendous speculation for the common folk, with some believing that the orcs are a twisted aberration of elves. This theory definitely has some merit on account of Adar (Joseph Mawle) having some very distinctive elvish features. Throughout "Rings of Power," many believe Adar to be Sauron, and as an Uruk, Adar eventually reveals that he is indeed a corrupted former elf and even claims that he has slain Sauron, though viewers definitely know that this isn't the case. Still, orcs and their leader are important to the plot of "Rings of Power," and it looks like Amazon has decided to recast Adar.

Although Adar spends most of his time during Season 1 of "Rings of Power" brutally enslaving people, digging tunnels, and leading warbands of orcs, the true big bad is and always will be Sauron, who often acts in the guise of a human named Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) until the very last episode. However, considering that Season 2 of "Rings of Power" is currently in production, and the way the show ended in Season 1, it is only a matter of time before we see Adar again since he is a major force of orc organization and military prowess — Sauron simply can't be bothered with commanding foot soldiers and engaging in raiding parties. Unfortunately for the "Game of Thrones" veteran Joseph Mawle, he will no longer be needed for the role.

According to Variety, Mawle will be replaced with Sam Hazeldine of "Peaky Blinders" fame in Season 2 of "Rings of Power," though there isn't any reason given for this specific recast. It could be due to plot reasons, and that perhaps Adar will look closer to an orc as opposed to a scarred elf in Season 2, or maybe Mawle just wanted to step away.

Taking to Twitter, Mawle said, "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." Either way, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for Adar and Season 2 of "Rings of Power."