The Wheel of Time (TV series)

The Wheel of Time is an upcoming American epic fantasy television series set to premiere on Prime Video. The series is based on Robert Jordan's novel series of the same name and is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios, with Rafe Judkins serving as showrunner. In May 2021, the series was renewed for a second season ahead of series premiere.
Premise.
"The Wheel of Time" follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful, all-woman organization of channelers (magic users) called the Aes Sedai, who takes a group of five young people from their home village following an attack by the forces of the Dark One, an evil entity who seeks to destroy the Pattern (Existence). Among these five, she believes one might be the reincarnation of the Dragon, an ancient hero and powerful channeler who is prophesied either to save the world or destroy it.
Production.
Background.
In 2000, NBC optioned the screen rights to Robert Jordan's fantasy novel series "The Wheel of Time" but did not ultimately proceed with the production. In 2004, Jordan sold the film, television, video game, and comic rights to the series to production company Red Eagle Entertainment. In 2015, Red Eagle Entertainment paid air time to cable network FXX to air "Winter Dragon", a 22-minute pilot for a potential "The Wheel of Time" series starring Billy Zane and Max Ryan that allowed Red Eagle to hold on to the rights to the project. Subsequently, the company sued Jordan's widow, Harriet McDougal, for her comments about the pilot and the lawsuit was resolved in 2016.
Development.
On April 20, 2017, it was announced that Sony Pictures Television was producing a new adaptation of the book series in association with Red Eagle Entertainment and Radar Pictures. Rafe Judkins was expected to serve as showrunner for the series and executive produce alongside Rick Selvage, Larry Mondragon, Ted Field, Mike Weber, and Darren Lemke. Robert Jordan's widow Harriet McDougal was set to serve as a consulting producer.
On October 2, 2018, it was announced that Amazon had given the production a series order. Additionally, it was further announced that Amazon Studios would serve as a production company for the series. On February 19, 2019, Uta Briesewitz was confirmed as director for the first two episodes. On May 20, 2021, Amazon renewed the series for a second season ahead of series premiere.
Casting.
It was announced in June 2019 that Rosamund Pike had been cast as the lead in the series as Moiraine. Further main cast members were announced in August 2019: Daniel Henney as Lan Mandragoran, as Rand al'Thor, Marcus Rutherford as Perrin Aybara, Zoë Robins as Nynaeve al'Meara, Barney Harris as Mat Cauthon, and Madeleine Madden as Egwene al'Vere.
Filming.
Principal photography for the first season started on September 16, 2019. In March 2020, shoots in Prague were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.