Stranger Things favourite joins The Rings of Power Season 3, revealing a surprise Middle-earth role
Jamie Campbell Bower has revealed his The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 character — and it’s not the obvious pick.
If you weren’t expecting the worlds of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Stranger Things to collide, well, neither was I—but that’s what we’ve got for Season 3. Jamie Campbell Bower, yes, the one who gave everyone nightmares as Vecna, is trading the Upside Down for the forests of Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 premieres 11 November 2026.
Jamie Campbell Bower as Celeborn
Bower is now set to play Celeborn, who’s not just any Elf—he’s the Lord of Lothlórien and, of course, Galadriel’s other half. If you’ve been following Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, you’ll know her character was already gnashing her way through trauma and wars without Celeborn around—so, Season 3 brings in her long-lost romantic partner. Frankly, it’s about time.
Fans were quick to react—particularly those still picturing Bower wrapped in tentacles, channeling villainy on Stranger Things. One was absolutely chuffed, gushing about how 'dear Jamie' definitely suits the magical world of Tolkien. Another, a bit more cynical, commented: 'So he’s going to be pining after his own wife? Yikes.' Social media, always the cheering squad of optimism.
Bower's Approach: Not Your Dad's Celeborn
Bower’s made it clear he’s not playing the Elf Lord as some mystical ornament standing in the background. In his words, Celeborn in this version is 'more of a lover boy.' He dug deep into the idea, saying the character has had to survive while longing for something (or someone) he dearly loved and missed. Morfydd Clark herself said that when she pictured Celeborn as a perfect Elf, Bower fit the image exactly—so he’s got the co-star’s seal of approval already.
- Jamie Campbell Bower: New Celeborn in Rings of Power S3
- Morfydd Clark: Returning as Galadriel, Celeborn’s 'dearly missed' wife
- Jamie’s last major TV role: Vecna/Henry Creel in Stranger Things
- Season 3 release date: 11 November 2026
Bower isn’t new to franchise megafans, though. His turn as Vecna in Stranger Things Season 4 had viewers properly unsettled and even the critics gave him a nod for his Henry Creel performance in Season 5. So, considering how easily he slips into these fan-obsessed worlds, there’s no doubt expectations are dialled right up for his LOTR run.
If you’re after more Elf drama—and some new energy between Celeborn and Galadriel—this casting is probably the biggest shakeup since The Rings of Power premiered. Consider November properly circled on the calendar.