Ever since actor Rima Te Wiata was identified in the Season 2 Wrap Video back in May of 2022, her role has been the topic of discussion and speculation. Many fans pegged her as Verin Mathwin, the fan-favorite Brown, especially after a photo surfaced of Te Wiata in Prague with, you guessed it, an Owl! Thanks to a recent update to the actor’s CV, we needn’t speculate any longer. Te Wiata will play the role of Sheriam Bayanar (book spoilers in link!). Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, and Mistress of Novices.

As far as we can tell, Te Wiata was in Prague in August and December of 2021. We do not have confirmation about her presence in Czechia for filming in any other months, but being there in August and December suggests she can appear in multiple episodes.

 

Rima Te Wiata posing in Old Town Square in Prague with an owl on her arm.

Sourcde: Te Wiata’s instagram account @rimawiata, DECEMBER 15, 2021

 

Rima Te Wiata MNZM is a highly respected New Zealand actress and singer with an extensive resume in film, television, and theater. Her previous credits include roles in popular New Zealand shows such as “Outrageous Fortune” and “Hounds,” as well as appearances in Hollywood films like “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” and “Housebound.”

Te Wiata’s casting as Sheriam does not help answer the question about who Meera Syal and Natasha O’Keeffe will play. Both actors were officially announced by showrunner Rafe Judkins in 2021, but their roles were kept secret. Had Te Wiata been revealed to play the role of Verin, Syal and O’Keeffe would’ve likely played Elaida and Selene respectively. However, this news still leaves us with the two actors, Syal and O’Keeffe, and three roles to fill: Verin, Elaida and Selene.

 

Rima Te Wiata appears in the video below at the 25 second mark

 

 

 

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I am a long time fantasy fan. Also a technology generalist with a knack for research. That likely makes me a Brown, but I'm more torn between the Yellows and the Blues.