'Rings of Power,' 'Blade Runner 2099' tease new worlds at Comic-Con

San Diego Comic-Con hosted action-packed appearances from the fantasy series "Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power" and the upcoming "Blade Runner 2099," unveiling first-look footage and casting news. The "Rings of Power" panel offered a glimpse into Season 3, which is set years after the events of Season 2 and will depict the escalating War of the Elves and Sauron.

“

We're in a different place. Middle-Earth is more dangerous than ever. Sauron is ruthless, relentless, and no one is safe.

Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay discussed the new season's darker tone, with McKay telling Reuters, "Middle-Earth is more dangerous than ever. Sauron is ruthless, relentless, and no one is safe." He added that the show is venturing into darker territory than before, driven by the dominant villain.

“

When you have a villain like that, that is as dominant as Sauron is, it just creates a different tone. And certainly, we're going darker places than the show has gone before.

Cast members shared their experiences, with Ismael Cruz Córdova, who plays the wood elf Arondir, expressing excitement about Jamie Campbell Bower joining the Season 3 cast as Celeborn. Bower, in turn, spoke of being welcomed by Córdova. The panel also announced new cast additions, including Simon Pegg as the voice of the Balrog. Returning cast members include Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, and Morfydd Clark.

“

First rehearsal, walks in this rock star.

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's works, "Rings of Power" Season 3 will follow the Siege of Eregion and the death of Celebrimbor. The new season is slated to premiere on Prime Video on November 11, 2026. Meanwhile, Prime Video also debuted footage from "Blade Runner 2099," a limited series featuring Michelle Yeoh as a Replicant named Olwen and Hunter Schafer as a human fugitive named Cora. The preview hinted at a tense relationship between the two characters. "Blade Runner 2099" is set to premiere on November 25, 2026.

“

I got welcomed onto this set by this man (Córdova).