One of Amazon Prime Video's most anticipated new series is The Wheel of Time, a sword-and-sorcery adventure based on Robert Jordan's series of novels. The first of these was published in 1990, and following Jordan's death in 2007, the final three books were co-written by Brandon Sanderson. The series became a cornerstone of modern epic fantasy, lauded for its unique world-building and expansive scope.
There were several attempts to adapt The Wheel of Time to television, but none were successful until Amazon greenlit the series in 2018, with Rafe Judkins serving as writer and showrunner. Sanderson is a consulting producer, as is Harriet McDougal, Jordan's widow and editor.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Updated Sept. 2, 2021, to include The Wheel of Time Season 1 teaser trailer, premiere date and new images.
What Is The Wheel of Time's Story?
The Wheel of Time is set in a nameless world with subtle connections to our own and frequent references to a long-ago apocalyptic event called the Breaking of the World. Certain individuals are able to tap into a magical force, the One Power, but since its corruption in the Breaking, only women can wield it without mentally snapping. Those who have the ability have organized into an elite society, the Aes Sedai.
The story begins with a group of young villagers recruited by the Aes Sedai Moiraine Damodred, who promises to help the women among them to train their innate abilities. She also swears to protect and contain the men, one of whom she believes may be the prophesied Dragon Reborn. Gradually, the awakening of ancient evil, the mysteries of the rebirth cycle and the clashing of political powers bring the characters into a worldwide conflict.
The cast announced so far for The Wheel of Time features Rosamund Pike as Moiraine and Daniel Henney as her Warder, Lan. The five young people who will join them on their journey are played by Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Zoë Robins, Barney Harris and Madeleine Madden. Other actors who will appear in the first season include Hammed Animashaun, Johann Myers, Kae Alexander, Sophie Okonedo and Jennifer Cheon Garcia. Some of them may have expanded roles later in the series.
Does The Wheel of Time Have a Trailer?
Amazon Prime Video released the teaser trailer for The Wheel of Time Season 1 on Sept. 2, 2021, laying out the adaptation's premise and introducing key characters and locations. Earlier promos include several behind-the-scenes videos, focused on specific characters or the making of key props.
Along with the teaser trailer, Amazon Prime Video staked out a Friday, Nov. 19, premiere date for The Wheel of Time Season 1. A new episode will be released each Friday, through Dec. 24. An earlier poster, spotlighting lead character Pike, gave only a November 2021 premiere window.
The Wheel of Time was given an early renewal for Season 2, which is now filming. It's likely that each season will roughly correspond to the books that inspired the series. However, so far, there have been no casting announcements regarding the additional characters who joined the story in the second book.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.