Seven new actors have been signed for the second season of Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Among other things, the role of the orc leader Adar will be recast, Amazon Studios announced. "Game of Thrones" star Joseph Mawle (48) hands over to Sam Hazeldine (50, "Peaky Blinders").

"I loved the time exploring Middle-earth and immersing myself in Tolkien's mythology," Mawle wrote on Twitter. "I'm honored that the character was so popular. But as an actor, exploring new characters and worlds remains my desire and job description," said the 48-year-old. "I wish the cast and crew all the best for season two and will be cheering you on from the sidelines."

Joining Hazeldine are Gabriel Akuwudike ("1917"), Yasen Atour ("The Witcher"), Ben Daniels (58, "The Crown"), newcomer Amelia Kenworthy, Nia Towle ("Rocketman") and Nicholas Woodeson (73, " Firebird") new to the series, as it goes on.

"Since its premiere, 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' has brought viewers together to experience the magic and wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien's magnificent Middle-earth," said Vernon Sanders, Head of Global Television at Amazon Studios. "To date, season one is the most watched original series on Prime Video in all regions and has been seen by over 100 million people worldwide - a truly global success that speaks to the universal nature of a powerful story. We call these wonderful actors in our 'community ' Welcome and look forward to sharing more incredible stories from the Second Age in Season 2."

Fans can be excited to see how the new cast will fit into The Rings of Power. The story of J.R.R. Tolkien's Second Age story of Middle-earth is set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954). Halbrand actor Charlie Vickers (30) already revealed to "The Hollywood Reporter" that the focus will be very much on his revealed identity: Sauron.

"I think it's a really exciting season because you start to see Sauron for who he is," said Vickers. "We've seen him during this period of regret. Now we'll see his plans unfold. You're with him as he moves the pieces on the chessboard." There are "exciting" parts of the lore from "Silmarillion" (1977), "that we will see," said the 29-year-old enthusiastically. "These really famous stories will unfold in the next season."

The first season has been available on Prime Video since September. A date for a second season has not yet been announced. It is expected in 2024.