First Look at Rosamund Pike as Moiraine in ‘Wheel of Time’
Amazon is giving fans a first peek at the series based on Robert Jordan’s beloved novels with a new clip and a Q&A with showrunner Rafe Judkins.
The road to an adaptation started as far back as 2000, but it’s usually stalled in pre-production. FXX aired a pilot in the wee hours of the morning back in 2015 that starred Max Ryan and Billy Zane. There was no publicity done for it; it appears it was dumped on air due to contractual obligations. This time is different – the series has the backing of Amazon and Sony Pictures.
It’s been a bit since we’ve gotten news about the project. The series will be a blend of the fourteen books instead of chopping it into a season per book in order to give the story a more organic flow (which for a story this size, is the right choice). Amazon’s synopsis…
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. 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.
Crafting the blade. #WOTonPrime pic.twitter.com/fD4X9n7Ocn
— The Wheel of Time (@WOTonPrime) December 2, 2020
The first season cast has been announced (clockwise from top left)…
- Kae Alexander as Min Farshaw
- Kate Fleetwood as Liandrin Guirale
- Peter Franzen as Stepin
- Clare Perkins as Kerene Nagashi
- Sophie Okonedo as Siuan Sanche
- Josha Stradowski as Rand Al’Thor
- Barney Harris as Mat Cauthon
- Marcus Rutherford as Perrin Aybara
- Madeleine Madden as Egwene Al’Vere
- Zoë Robins as Nynaeve
And Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred…
Moiraine Damodred pic.twitter.com/MwtEEpbrdX
— The Wheel of Time (@WOTonPrime) March 17, 2021
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After the premiere of the clip came a quick Q&A with showrunner Rafe Judkins about Pike’s depiction of Moiraine.
On Rosamund channeling the One Power as Moiraine… pic.twitter.com/gkV6QcGCXf
Subscribe to our newsletter!Get Tabletop, RPG & Pop Culture news delivered directly to your inbox.By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.— The Wheel of Time (@WOTonPrime) March 17, 2021
Channeling is how the magic of the One Power and True Source is accessed (think powers of the universe, divided into five elements). Power can be channeled from either the female (saidar) or male (saidin) half – though, the books start with the ability being limited to women. It requires a natural gift and is one of the central themes of the books.
There was also a question about an important bit of costuming. A kesiera is a jewel worn on the forehead of noble ladies. Moiraine’s – a gold chain with a sapphire pendant- helps her focus her ability to eavesdrop, which comes in handy.
On Moiraine’s kesiera… pic.twitter.com/xMN6TB7ojd
— The Wheel of Time (@WOTonPrime) March 17, 2021
On Moiraine’s “ageless” look… pic.twitter.com/I5OHIxlUAC
— The Wheel of Time (@WOTonPrime) March 17, 2021
There’s no release date from Amazon, but the project is moving forward. If you need a refresher on the books or want a companion to your first reading before the show debuts, check out the Dragon Reread podcast!
