“The Wheel of Time” series at Amazon has been renewed for Season 2 just as production is ending on Season 1, Variety has learned.
Based on the Robert Jordan novel series, “The Wheel of Time” was first ordered at Amazon back in 2018. Set in a world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it, the story follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), 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.
“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,” said series showrunner and executive producer Rafe Judkins. “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. 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.”
An adaptation of “The Wheel of Time” novels has been in development in one form or another going back as far as 2000, but the projects mostly never made it past that stage. However, a pilot episode called “Winter Dragon” aired on FXX back in February 2015, starring Max Ryan and Billy Zane. It aired at 1:30 a.m. with no prior publicity.
“’The Wheel of Time’ is a beloved series of fantasy novels from Robert Jordan, renowned for the rich world and diverse characters he created,” said Vernon Sanders, co-head of TV for Amazon Studios. “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.”
Judkins adapted the books for television in addition to serving as executive producer and showrunner. Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of Red Eagle Entertainment also executive produce along with Ted Field and Mike Weber of Radar Pictures, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe and Uta Briesewitz. Briesewitz directed the first two episodes. Pike will serve as producer, while Harriet McDougal and Brandon Sanderson are consulting producers. “The Wheel of Time” is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.
“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,” said Jeff Frost, president of Sony Pictures Television. “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.”