Rings of Power viewers convinced ‘young Gandalf’ has been already cast

Dubbed as the most expensive show in the history of TV, it seems that setting the film back thousands of years has set the studio back even further.

Now that viewers have had time to digest the first two episodes a big fan-theory has suggested at the possible return of 'young Gandalf'.

So basically, a character known as 'the Stranger' has caused quite the stir.

After a meteor crashes, a nude, bearded man emerges and that's basically enough for people to think it's a young version of Gandalf.

"Long before getting hooked on pipe-weed and hanging out with hobbits, Gandalf was known as Olórin - an angelic, primordial Maia spirit dwelling in Valinor. J.R.R. Tolkien writes that Olórin and his fellow Maiar would mingle among the elves to watch over them, fascinated by these living creations of Eru Ilúvatar.

"It's plausible, therefore, that Olórin visited Middle-earth thousands of years before returning under the 'Gandalf' guise."

One fan on social media also commented: "Yep, it's Gandalf. I've been saying it was him for months and people didn't want to believe lol, but is the only character that makes sense to be there."

"Supports my theory that the dude is Gandalf," a second added.

However some fans disagree, with many believing it to be Sauron.

Another fan said: "My gut says it’s a misdirect.

"It’s Gandalf’s rune, but backwards. I’m thinking it’s Saruman."

Someone else wrote: "Surely it would have to be Sauron or one of his lieutenants. The Istari didn't appear in Middle Earth until the Third Age, after the fall of Nùmenor and the Last Alliance."

I guess we'll just have to wait and find out.