Ismael Cruz Córdova explains Arondir’s exit from ‘The Rings of Power’
Season 3 spoilers: Arondir dies in the fourth episode, “Gundabad.” Córdova says the showrunners told him several months before filming began.
Arondir’s story ends with his death in “Gundabad,” the fourth episode of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3, which premiered November 11. Ismael Cruz Córdova, who portrays the Elf, discussed the departure in an interview with TV Insider.
Córdova said showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay explained the character’s fate in a Zoom conversation several months before filming began. He was with his father in Puerto Rico when they spoke.
The fatal encounter comes as Arondir attempts to flee Gundabad’s Orc fortress. He recognizes Theo, the son of his deceased love Bronwyn, among Sauron’s ring servants and tries to persuade him to remove his ring and leave. When Sauron commands Theo to kill Arondir, Theo stabs him.
Córdova interpreted Arondir’s choice to remain as a sacrifice for his companions and a refusal to abandon Theo. In a separate TV Insider interview, Theo actor Tyroe Muhafidin said anger toward Arondir helped drive the killing, while acknowledging the ring’s influence. Córdova questioned Theo’s freedom to choose after Sauron intervened.
Córdova said he would miss the role, which he has played since the series debuted in 2022. The eight-episode season continues with Episodes 5 and 6 on November 18, then Episodes 7 and 8 on November 25.
