Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series of books is one of the most beloved fantasy stories of all time. In 2021, Rafe Judkins’ live-action adaptation premiered on Prime Video, and was very well received, bolstering the streaming platform’s increasingly robust selection of fantasy offerings.
For The Wheel of Time’s sophomore season, the creative team behind the series wanted to build on its excellent first season with even more stunning visuals, more layered characters and a more epic story. The international team filmed around the world, including in Italy, Morocco, and the Czech Republic.
Recently, Senior Writer Jorgie Rodriguez had the opportunity to speak with several members of the creative team behind the second season, including:
- Marigo Kehoe (Executive Producer) and Holger Reibiger (Producer)
- Directors Sanaa Hamri and Thomas Napper
- Sharon Gilham (Costume Designer) and Davina Lamont (Makeup and Hair designer)
- Jan Petrina (Stunt Coordinator)
- Ondrej Nevaskil (Production Designer) and Ondrej Nierostek (SFX Coordinator)
Of course, Jorgie had to start by asking each member which color they would choose for their respective Ajah, and then they delved into the production, filmmaking, visual effects and themes of the second season.
Through the various interviews, two elements that were consistently highlighted are the diversity of cultures featured in the series, as well as the wonderfully strong women characters.
“For me it was the women. The really strong female characters, first and foremost. Front footed on those characters,” Executive Producer Marigo Kehoe said when asked about the most interesting aspect of the series to her personally.
Producer Holger Reibiger agreed with Kehoe, and added that he enjoys the diversity of the series. “I think as well, the diversity and the mixture of culture we are using to create the world. I think that’s very interesting to do and exciting,” Reibiger said.
“Reflecting our world. We’ve had a lot of people say, ‘I’m on screen!’ That’s been wonderful,” Kehoe added.
Director Sanaa Hamri echoed the same sentiments. “I also love, love, love the diversity of cultures that we’re exposed to. I think that’s really key. As well as the female empowerment of the Aes Sedai, who have the One Power and they have the Warders, and I just think that’s something that speaks to me personally,” Hamri said.
Watch the full interviews below and don’t miss season 2 of The Wheel of Time streaming now on Prime Video.
About The Wheel of Time Season 2
In the Amazon Original series The Wheel of Time, Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski, Gran Turismo) learns he is The Dragon Reborn—a dangerous figure from history destined to save the world … or break it. Desperate to protect him from the Dark One, an army of powerful women must reckon with his burgeoning power and encroaching madness. The Wheel of Time turns, and the Last Battle approaches. Though Rand thought he destroyed the Dark One, evil is not gone from the world. In Season Two, threats new and very old seek out the young friends from the Two Rivers, now scattered over the world. The woman who found and guided them is now powerless to help, and so they must find other sources of strength. In each other, or themselves. In the Light … or the Dark.
The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer and showrunner Rafe Judkins (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hemlock Grove). Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of iwot productions (Winter Dragon), Ted Field of Radar Pictures (Jumanji: The Next Level, Winter Dragon), Mike Weber (Jumanji: The Next Level, Beirut), Darren Lemke (Shazam!, Goosebumps, Winter Dragon), Marigo Kehoe (Outlander, The Crown), Justine Juel Gillmer (The Survivor, Halo), Sanaa Hamri (Empire, Lovestruck), and Amanda Kate Shuman (The Blacklist) also serve as executive producers. Rosamund Pike and Dave Hill (Game of Thrones) also serve as co-executive producers, and Harriet McDougal, Brandon Sanderson, and Lauren Selig are consulting producers. The Wheel of Time is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. Â He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
