Amazon Studios recently announced they renewed their live action Wheel of Time series for a second season before the first one has aired a single episode.
In a press release, Amazon Studios announced, “As Season 1 wraps production in the Czech Republic, Amazon Studios today announced it has greenlit a second season of the upcoming fantasy series The Wheel of Time, based on Robert Jordan’s series of best-selling novels.”
Showrunner and executive producer Rafe Judkins commented on the renewal.
He stated, “The belief Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television have shown in The Wheel of Time has been incredible to see throughout the entire process of making this show. Getting a second season order before the first season has even premiered is such a vote of confidence in the work we are doing and the property itself, and we couldn’t be happier to be able to continue to live and work in the world Robert Jordan created.”
He added, “This property is one I’ve loved since I was a teenager, and seeing it brought to life with the resources to make it truly worthy of what’s on the page is something I can’t wait for the other fans of the books to see. And Season 2 just keeps expanding the world we built in Season 1.”
Judkins also commented on the new on Instagram.
He said, “We are all unbelievably happy about it, and here’s a sneak (even if you already sneaked) peek of the cover of Episode 201, written by my parnter in crime and Queen of all things Wheel of Time – Amanda Kate Shuman.”
Amazon Studios Co-Head of Television Vernon Sanders also provided a statement, “The Wheel of Time is a beloved series of fantasy novels from Robert Jordan, renowned for the rich world and diverse characters he created.”
“The approach Rafe and his team have taken with this project is a testament to Amazon Studios commitment to deliver something special for the devoted fans around the world. In partnership with the team at Sony Pictures Television, we wanted our Prime Video customers to be delighted that a second season is already in the works so that they would know that the journey would continue,” he added.
President of Sony Pictures Television Jeff Frost also chimed in.
He stated, “From the moment we pitched the Amazon Studios team, we realized they shared the same excitement as we did about this brilliant project based on Robert Jordan’s series of best-selling novels and that we were all creating a very special and extraordinary spectacle.”
“Receiving a second season pickup right after wrapping Season 1, exemplifies their dedication to and belief in this series. We can’t wait for audiences globally to experience the magic that Rafe, our other talented producers, Rosamund and the rest of the cast and crew have created,” he added.
The official description for the show reads, “Set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it, the story follows Moiraine, a member of the incredibly powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the small town of Two Rivers.”
It adds, “There, she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity.”
If you are unfamiliar with Wheel of Time, the fantasy series was created by Robert Jordan and has sold over 90 million books. It followed the story of Rand al’Thor, who is revealed to be the Dragon Reborn, and his companions as they wage a war against the Dark One, who aims to destroy the Wheel of Time and remake creation in his image.
While the show has been renewed already, it’s not without controversy. When the show announces its cast it was evident they race swapped a number of them including Egwene, Perrin, and Nynaeve.
Related: Exclusive: Amazon’s Wheel of Time Features Big Change to Perrin Aybara’s Character
Along with the casting controversy a rumor also indicated the show would feature major changes to Perrin’s character from the show’s first episode.
What do you make of this renewal? Are you interested in seeing what Amazon and Sony have in store for this Wheel of Time adaptation?