The Rings of Power fans shouldn't expect to be reunited with every character in season 3, as the Harfoots, the divisive halflings who helped Gandalf on his journey, are taking a "back seat" this season.

Now, speaking exclusively to Radio Times showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay, and Gandalf actor Daniel Weyman, have weighed in on their absence from the Lord of the Rings prequel series - and have teased their return in future seasons.

"There were times where they had a huge role in the season," Payne explained. "Now, they're taking a back seat. You never want to count a Harfoot out though, and we certainly have ideas for how that story continues on in the series and where it goes from here."

McKay insisted: "None of that comes from anticipating or reacting to fan reaction. It all comes back to story, and what does the story mean? And how do we as dramatists serve the story as best we can? And this time it felt like, no this isn't a Harfoot story, but maybe next time it will be."

Over the past two seasons, the Harfoots' stories have been intertwined with that of The Stranger (later confirmed to be Gandalf) - but now, in their absence, he's stepping into the world of Middle-earth alone.

"We've been with him on the journey as he learns everything from the Harfoots," Weyman said.

"He learns about friendship, and then love, and then community, and betrayal, and trust, and all these complex things that we used to think are human emotions. These are his building blocks. It was really tough filming the last scene of season 2, them all parting ways.

"I hope, like lots of these storylines in Rings of Power, things will come back. Things will cross again because I think they're absolutely vital to this whole story. They're such an extraordinary heart and I think Gandalf always carries them wherever he goes."

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available to watch on Prime Video from Wednesday 11 November 2026. You can sign up to Amazon Prime Video for a 30-day free trial.

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