There are SDCC interviews… and then there are SDCC interviews that feel like they crack open the future of an entire franchise. Sitting down with Charlie Vickers and Daniel Weyman, the actors behind Sauron and The Stranger in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power – was absolutely one of those moments.
Fresh off a panel that had fans buzzing, the two dove into their characters, the massive shifts coming in Season 3, and the emotional weight of stepping into such iconic roles.
The Panel: Big Reveals & Bigger Reactions
The SDCC panel was electric from the moment the cast walked out, but nothing topped the moment the showrunners confirmed what fans have been theorizing since Season 1:
Daniel Weyman’s Stranger is, in fact, Gandalf.
The crowd exploded – cheers, gasps, a few “I knew it!” shouts – and Daniel took it all in with that warm, humble smile fans have come to love. Charlie, meanwhile, leaned into the chaos with a grin that can only be described as “Sauron‑coded.”
The two traded jokes, teased Season 3 dynamics, and hinted that their characters’ paths may collide in ways fans aren’t ready for.
Our Interview: Mindsets, Mysteries & Middle‑earth
After the panel, we sat down with Charlie and Daniel for a conversation that was equal parts thoughtful and wildly entertaining.
Daniel Weyman on Becoming Gandalf
Daniel talked about the moment he learned the truth about his character and how it changed everything. From posture to voice to emotional grounding, he described the shift as “stepping into a legacy rather than a role.” His excitement was contagious. You could feel how much this reveal means to him.
Charlie Vickers on Embracing Sauron
Charlie opened up about the mental shift required now that Sauron’s identity is fully out in the open. Gone are the days of subtle hints and quiet manipulations. Season 3 pushes him into the full complexity of the Dark Lord.
He talked about exploring Sauron’s motivations, the duality between charm and menace, and how freeing it is to finally lean into the character’s true nature.
What Season 3 Means for Them
Both actors shared how Season 3 raises the stakes; emotionally, morally, and magically. With Gandalf’s identity revealed and Sauron stepping into his power, Middle‑earth is shifting in ways that will ripple through every storyline.
More SDCC Magic
While our interview focused on Charlie and Daniel, the panel featured the full ensemble — and we’ve got separate videos covering those cast moments too. From unexpected jokes to emotional reflections, the entire team brought their A‑game to SDCC.
For more on the show and their characters, watch our interview here:
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