Summary
- Season 2 of The Wheel of Time will feature an epic battle sequence, showcasing enhanced stakes for the returning fantasy series.
- The show will deviate from the source material, but these changes are necessary to keep the narrative flowing within the constraints of the episodes.
- The producers aim to deliver more action, deep character work, and strong imagery in season 2, building upon the success of the first season.
The Wheel of Time producer and season 2 director Sanaa Hamri has teased enhanced stakes and an epic battle sequence for the returning fantasy series. Following on from 2021’s The Wheel of Time season 1 finale, season 2 will see Josha Stradowski’s Rand al’Thor coming to terms with his destiny as the prophesized figure known as the Dragon Reborn. Meanwhile, the last few moments of season 1 also teased a new threat in the form of the Seanchan, an invading army whose ranks are bolstered by enslaved magic users.
Speaking with SFX Magazine, Hamri, along with her fellow producer Marigo Kehoe, revealed that The Wheel of Time season 2 will feature “one of the biggest battles ever,” and that the show will be reminiscent of epic historical dramas like Gladiator. Suggesting that season 2’s own finale will “will take the series to new heights,” Hamri also went on to explain showrunner Rafe Judkin’s vision for a more action-packed and character-driven season. Check out her comments below:
“There are times when I had six cameras going at the same time. When I met with [showrunner] Rafe [Judkins], we talked about the vision for season two and about more action, more deep, nuanced character work, as well as strong imagery. When you have a great season one base, you can really jump off of that and take some really great visual chances, and also within the acting of it all.”
How The Wheel Of Time Season 2 Will Continue To Change The Books
Long before Prime Video began their own live-action adaptation of The Wheel of Time, there was a considerable appetite among Robert Jordan’s readership to see his work translated onto the screen. Yet despite a handful of aborted attempts and a controversial 2015 pilot starring Billy Zane, it was not until 2021 that viewers finally got a chance to see Jordan’s expansive fantasy world brought to life.
However, it was quickly apparent that Prime Video’s approach involved some significant changes to the original books, and the most recent Wheel of Time season 2 trailer has teased even more changes to come. Between Rand approaching Logain for training in using the One Power and teaming Ayoola Smart’s Aviendha with Perrin in his hunt for the Horn of Valere, the events of season 2 hint at ongoing deviations from the source material.
Yet given the sheer size of Jordan’s books, combined with the limits posed by eight-episode seasons, these changes are often borne from necessity. Readers familiar with George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series could point to several similar deviations in HBO’s Game of Thrones, and the changes being made by Judkins and his team would primarily be required to keep the show’s narrative flowing. If Hamri’s recent comments are any indication, there is still plenty for viewers to look forward to in The Wheel of Time season 2.
Source: SFX Magazine
