The Wheel of Time Executive Producer/Showrunner Rafe Judkins discussed the Prime Video series' approach to depicting LGBTQIA+ relationships, stating that the hit show aims to expand on the canon of the book series it is based on.
Judkins was asked at JordanCon 2022 whether there are plans to include any more LGBTQIA+ relationships in the second season of The Wheel of Time. He explained how the fantasy series relies on its source material first and foremost to flesh out its characters, including their relationships. "We predominantly in the show have been trying to take things that were suggested or hinted at being LGBTQIA+ relationships in the books and sort of expanding on them, bringing those out [to let] us know more about those characters and their feelings for each other," Judkins said.
"I think that is what we will continue to do with the show," he said. "The whole way through the series, you will see us lean into those places that are already so present in the books and then try to find room to tell more of the emotional history of some of those characters, and a lot of times that will include their relationships with people, be they of the same gender, a different [gender] or [not gendered]."
The cast and crew of The Wheel of Time were unable to attend JordanCon at Atlanta, Georgia in person this year, as Judkins explained that they are currently in Morocco to shoot Season 2. Thus, they opted to film a video to answer questions and queries submitted by fans and to share some information about the upcoming season. "I'm on set right now and there's actually a pretty iconic fight scene being rehearsed right around that corner," Judkins said, gesturing off-screen before laughing. "I don't think Amazon is going to let us turn that camera and show it to you, but you will see it on your TV screens sometime soon!"
Based on the high fantasy novel series by Robert Jordan, The Wheel of Time centers around Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a woman belonging to an organization called the Aes Sedai, whose members have the ability to channel the One Power. Along with her Warder and companion, Lan (Daniel Henney), Moiraine sets out on a journey to locate the Dragon Reborn, an individual who is prophesied to either be the world's salvation from an evil force called the Dark One or bring about its destruction like they had done once long ago.
All eight episodes of The Wheel of Time's first season can be streamed now on Prime Video.
Source: YouTube