Rings of Power Season 3 Trio Echoes Frodo, Sam and Gollum, McKay Says
Co-showrunner Patrick McKay says the Galadriel, Arondir and Marnûkh dynamic mirrors the classic trio, with Adam Young playing the new Orc.
Co-showrunner Patrick McKay said the dynamic between Galadriel, Arondir and the Orc Marnûkh in season 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is "a little bit like Frodo, Sam and Gollum", according to IGN. McKay made the comparison during a 2025 set visit for the Prime Video series.
Marnûkh is played by Adam Young. According to McKay, the Orc claims to know where the final element Sauron is looking for to find the One Ring is.
McKay explained that Galadriel's grudging respect for Adar makes her more willing to believe Marnûkh, while Arondir does not trust him. That split between the two characters shapes how the trio travels together.
In the films, Frodo, Sam and Gollum formed a traveling party played by Elijah Wood, Sean Astin and Andy Serkis. The comparison places Marnûkh in the role of the untrusted guide.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premiered on Prime Video on September 1, 2022.
Quick answers
Who plays Marnûkh in The Rings of Power season 3?
Adam Young plays the Orc Marnûkh in season 3.
What did Patrick McKay say about Galadriel, Arondir and Marnûkh?
McKay said their dynamic is "a little bit like Frodo, Sam and Gollum", with Galadriel more willing to believe Marnûkh and Arondir distrusting him.