In the highly anticipated second season of The Rings of Power, the tension between good and evil is set to escalate, with two characters standing at the heart of this epic conflict: Sauron and Celebrimbor. Charlie Vickers, who plays the dark and enigmatic Sauron, and Charles Edwards, who embodies the brilliant yet ultimately tragic Celebrimbor, sat down with me to discuss the complexities of their roles, the pressures of stepping into such iconic characters, and their journey through Tolkien’s legendary world.
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Privilege and a challenge
For Vickers, portraying Sauron is both a privilege and a challenge. He opened up about his initial reaction when he learned he would be taking on the role of one of literature’s most feared villains. “I had an inkling that there was something more to Halbrand, but I didn’t really know,” Vickers admitted. “When they finally told me I was playing Sauron, it was more a feeling of relief than anything else. It’s such an iconic role, and the weight of that wasn’t lost on me.”
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Edwards, who plays Celebrimbor, shared a similar sentiment of responsibility. Known in Tolkien’s lore as the Elven smith who forged the Rings of Power, Celebrimbor’s character is steeped in both genius and tragedy. “Celebrimbor’s brilliance is what makes him such a fascinating character, but it’s also his downfall,” Edwards explained. “His ambition and desire to create something unparalleled blinds him to the true nature of Sauron, which is heartbreaking to portray.”
Sauron & Celebrimbor, icons in their own right
The significance of playing such iconic characters is not lost on Vickers and Edwards. Both actors expressed a deep respect for the source material, recognizing the responsibility they bear in bringing these legendary figures to life. Vickers, in particular, spoke about the pressure of portraying a character as universally known and feared as Sauron. “It’s a challenge to embody a character that’s more of an idea or a force than a traditional villain,” he said, adding that this challenge is what ultimately drew him to the role. “Sauron isn’t just a character—he’s a symbol of power, corruption, and the temptation that exists within all of us. Finding that balance was crucial.”
Edwards, on the other hand, highlighted the nuanced relationship between Celebrimbor and Sauron, which is central to the narrative of The Rings of Power. “Their dynamic is fascinating because it’s not just a battle of good versus evil,” Edwards explained. “It’s about manipulation, trust, and the ultimate betrayal. Celebrimbor’s genius is what Sauron exploits, and it’s tragic because you see how easily brilliance can be corrupted.” This relationship, he noted, adds a layer of complexity to both characters, making their eventual clash not just inevitable, but deeply personal and emotionally charged.
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Rings of Power Season 2; the dangers of pride
As they prepare for the audience’s reaction to Season 2, both Vickers and Edwards are hopeful that viewers will appreciate the depth they’ve brought to these characters. “We wanted to do justice to Tolkien’s vision while also offering something fresh,” Vickers said. Edwards agreed, adding, “I hope people will see Celebrimbor not just as a tragic figure, but as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and pride.” With their thoughtful interpretations and dedication to their roles, Vickers and Edwards are poised to deliver performances that will resonate with audiences long after the final credits roll.
The relationship between Sauron and Celebrimbor is more than just a plot point in The Rings of Power; it’s a complex dance of deceit, ambition, and tragedy. Vickers and Edwards have approached their roles with a deep understanding of the gravity of their characters’ interactions. Vickers emphasized the importance of grounding Sauron in a reality that audiences can relate to, despite the character’s almost mythical status. “Sauron isn’t just evil for the sake of being evil,” Vickers explained. “He genuinely believes that what he’s doing is for the greater good, which makes him all the more dangerous.”
Celebrimbor’s tragedy
Edwards, meanwhile, dove into the tragedy of Celebrimbor’s story. “He’s a character who starts with such noble intentions,” Edwards said. “But his pride and his belief in his own infallibility lead him down a dark path. It’s a reminder that even the most well-intentioned people can make catastrophic mistakes.” This depth of understanding is what both actors hope will resonate with viewers, offering a fresh take on a story that has been told and retold over decades.
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Both Vickers and Edwards expressed their excitement for fans to see the full evolution of their characters. “We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of what these characters are capable of,” Vickers hinted. Edwards added, “The journey is far from over, and I think fans will be surprised by where we take these stories.” As The Rings of Power continues to unfold, it’s clear that the battle for Middle-earth is not just about swords and sorcery, but about the very soul of the characters involved. The Rings of Power Season 2 is available on Prime August 29.
