'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 finale: Release date, time, cast, where to watch

Sauron's quest for dominance over Middle Earth will come to a head when the Season 2 finale of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" hits Prime.

The popular series set in the mystical world created by J.R.R Tolkien has showcased the rise of one of fantasy's most infamous villains of all time. Now, Sauron is on the brink of ascending to ultimate power ahead of the eighth and final episode of the series' sophomore season.

Set in the second age of Middle Earth, "The Rings of Power" takes place thousands of years before the events depicted in the original "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Following the finale of Season 1, which debuted in 2022, the Dark Lord Sauron has continued to amass his army, rebuild his strength and instrumented the creation of the great rings of power to bind all of Middle Earth to his evil will.

The second season has also once again featured the many characters who inhabit Middle Earth, including humans, elves, dwarves, orcs and a breed of Hobbits known as Harfoots.

Here's what to know about how to watch the finale:

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What time does the finale of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 come out?

After debuting Aug. 29, Season 2 of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" will conclude with the season finale on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT.

How to watch Season 2 finale of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'

Watching "The Rings of Power" will require a Prime membership. Those without one can sign up for a 30-day free trial, after which a subscription will cost $14.99 per month.

After the finale is available for streaming, all episodes of both seasons of "The Rings of Power" will remain available on Prime Video for those looking to catch up. Peter Jackson's original Lord of the Rings trilogy and Hobbit trilogy are also available to stream on the platform.

'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer

'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Cast

The second season of "The Rings of Power" included many familiar faces from the debut season, as well as a host of newcomers.

• Cynthia Addai-Robinson: Queen Regent Míriel
• Ciarán Hinds: Dark wizard
• Rory Kinnear: Tom Bombadil
• Robert Aramayo: Elrond
• Jim Broadbent: Voice of Snaggleroot
• Owain Arthur: Prince Durin IV
• Maxim Baldry: Isildur
• Morfydd Clark: Galadriel
• Ismael Cruz Cordova: Arondir
• Charles Edwards: Celebrimbor
• Trystan Gravelle: Pharazon
• Ema Horvath: Earien
• Markella Kavenagh: Elanor "Nori" Brandyfoot
• Tyroe Muhafidin: Theo
• Sophia Nomvete: Princess Disa
• Lloyd Owen: Elendil
• Megan Richards: Poppy Proudfellow
• Charlie Vickers: Sauron
• Leon Wadham: Kemen
• Benjamin Walker: High King Gil-galad
• Daniel Weyman: The Stranger
• Gavi Singh Chera: Merimac
• Peter Mullan: King Durin III
• Robert Strange: Glûg
• Ben Daniels: Cirdan
• Kevin Eldon: Narvi
• Sam Hazeldine: Adar
• Amelia Kenworthy: Mirdania
• Selina Lo: Rian
• Calam Lynch: Camnir
• Tanya Moodie: Guandabel
• Nia Towle: Estrid

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Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com