The Rings of Power Season 3 seems to be revamping the show in some ways. This will include one change to an aspect of the series that fans have long criticized. According to co-showrunner JD Payne, the Harfoots, which some fans have dubbed an underwhelming precursor to the Hobbits, won’t feature as prominently in the new season as they have in the past.

In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Payne noted that the Harfoots will have a comparatively smaller part to play in The Rings of Power Season 3.

“It was time for them to take a little bit more of a backseat,” the seasoned screenwriter and producer confirmed (via Radio Times). However, he kept the door open for the Harfoots’ return by saying, “I will also say: never count a Halfling out.”

The Rings of Power Season 2 finally confirmed that the Stranger is none other than the legendary wizard, Gandalf. The reveal was followed by Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh) and Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards) bidding their goodbye to Gandalf and setting out on a new adventure with the Stoors. This development, combined with Payne’s comments, indicates that fans won’t be seeing much of the Harfoots in the upcoming season of The Rings of Power.

However, the Harfoots’ absence might not be an issue for many fans, as some have openly expressed their disappointment with the tribe. “I’d say the Harfoots are a failed attempt at nostalgia baiting,” said one Reddit user in an earlier post. Another noted, “The Harfoots in this series highlights the lack of creativity from the production, which breaks the fourth wall in a way that leaves me feeling violated.”

A third Reddit user seems to have received exactly what they hoped for with the latest update, as they posted, “I would say the Harfoots were my least favorite storyline, and they got too much screen time.”

The Rings of Power Season 3 is on track to premiere on Prime Video on November 11, 2026.