Now that the filming for The Wheel of Time season 3 has wrapped and the show is fully in post-production, we thought it might be a good time to summarize the things we’ve learned about season 3 while we await official news. This won’t be a completely comprehensive list, but it will cover the major aspects we know — at least until more information is revealed.
Story
First up: what parts of the story can we expect season 3 to cover? According to showrunner Rafe Judkins, the third season will primarily be based on the fourth book, The Shadow Rising. In a Q&A following San Diego Comic Con 2022, he stated that “We are trying to get a fair amount of what’s done in Books 1-3 (large parts still being held for later) by the end of S2 so that S3 can be a much closer adaptation of TSR.” Additionally, when the season 3 greenlight was announced, he told the Hollywood Reporter that “The Shadow Rising has always been my favorite book in the series, so being able to bring it to television and introduce new audiences to the stories that made me fall in love with these books in the first place is such an honor, and something I’ve been working toward since I first pitched the show years and years ago.”
However, considering the monumental task of adapting a story written across 14 books into a television series, we can probably expect to see some aspects of other books make their way into the season.
Directors and Cinematographers
Similar to previous seasons, the directors for season 3 have partnered with a director of photography (DOP or cinematographer) to work on their production blocks.
| Episodes | Director | DOP |
|---|---|---|
| 301 – 302 | Ciaran Donnelly | Christopher Norr |
| 303 – 304 | Thomas Napper | David Luther |
| 305 – 306 | Marta Cunningham | Jean-Phillipe Gossart |
| 307 – 308 | Ciaran Donnelly | Christopher Norr |
Our first director is Ciaran Donnelly. Donnelly previously directed episodes 7 and 8 of season 1. He returns as the lead director for season 3, and his DOP is Christopher Norr.
The second director is another returning face: Thomas Napper, who previously directed episodes 201 and 202. Napper is working with DOP David Luther. Luther previously worked on episodes 103, 104, 107, and 108
The third director for season 3 is Marta Cunningham. She will be working with DOP Jean-Phillipe Gossart.
Writers & Episodes
Showrunner and executive producer Rafe Judkins will be writing episode 304. Executive producer Justine Juel Gillmer is attached to episodes 301 and 308. Executive producer Dave Hill wrote episode 307. Executive story editor Katherine B. McKenna wrote episode 302. Rammy Park is returning to season 3 as an executive story editor and wrote episode 306, and Beverly Okhio joins season 3 as a story editor and the writer of episode 303. Ajoke Ibironke wrote episode 305. Additionally, Isabella Whiteman was a writer’s assistant, and Maximillian Fisher was a writer’s room assistant for the season.
We previously reported that Amanda Kate Shuman would be a writer for season 3, but book consultant Sarah Nakamura has since clarified that Shuman will not be a writer for the next season. She is currently listed as an Executive Producer for season on the WGA site, but that has not been confirmed.
Like previous seasons, season 3 will be 8 episodes long. Four titles are currently known. However, there is the possibility of some of these titles being placeholders and therefore not being the final title. Also, as mentioned in our previous article, there is a possibility that we attributed the wrong titles to 302 and 308 (meaning episode 2 may be “He Who Comes With the Dawn” and episode 8 may be “A Question of Crimson”).
| # | Title | Writer |
|---|---|---|
| 301 | To Race the Shadow | Justine Juel Gillmer |
| 302 | A Question of Crimson | Katherine B. McKenna |
| 303 | unknown | Beverly Ohkio |
| 304 | unknown | Rafe Judkins |
| 305 | unknown | Ajoke Ibironke |
| 306 | unknown | Rammy Park |
| 307 | Goldeneyes | Dave Hill |
| 308 | He Who Comes With the Dawn | Justine Juel Gillmer |
Filming Locations
Filming took place across three different countries: the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and South Africa. The majority of filming took place in the Czech Republic, where Jordan Studios is located. Jordan Studios is home to multiple sound stages and a backlot with the Tar Valon set. In addition to Jordan Studios, filming also took place at Barrandov Studios, where season 2 filmed much of its Cairhien scenes. However, the Cairhien set was taken down following the filming of season 2, so we can conclude that season 3 filmed on different sets.
An additional soundstage in Třeboradice was also utilized for season 3. This location was home to the Hall of the Tower set in season 1 and similar White Tower scenes in season 2.
In addition to the studios, we also know that the Two Rivers set was rebuilt for use in season 3 and was home to quite a bit of filming as Perrin’s story takes him back to his hometown.
Other locations in the Czech Republic utilized by The Wheel of Time production include the Vranov nad Dyjí Castle in late May of 2023 for a Caemlyn scene. Shohreh Agdashloo was seen on set that location, as was Olivia Williams. We know from a casting call that a baby was also needed for filming at this location.
We also believe that filming took place at Tocnik Castle in early June. Details of filming are unknown, but we believe Nuno Lopes filmed there.
Slovenia was previously used as a filming location in season 1, specifically for many of the locations in the Two Rivers outside the village itself. Filming returned to many of the same areas for season 3. This makes sense considering the story’s return to the Two Rivers. Actors we know made the journey to Slovenia include Josha Stradowski, Priyanka Bose, Taylor Napier, Ragga Ragnars, and Maja Simonsen, but this is by no means exhaustive.
Finally, filming took place in South Africa at Cape Town Film Studios, mountains in the Western Cape region, the Atlantis Dunes, the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument, and in the Northern Cape, near Vioolsdrif.
Returning Cast
Returning from previous seasons we have the series’ leads: Rosamund Pike (Moiraine Damodred), Daniel Henney (Lan Mandragoran), Zoë Robins (Nynaeve al’Meara), Madeleine Madden (Egwene al’Vere), Josha Stradowski (Rand al’Thor), Marcus Rutherford (Perrin Aybara), and Dónal Finn (Mat Cauthon).
Recurring roles that appeared in both seasons we expect back include: Juliet Howland (Natti Cauthon), Johann Myers (Padan Fain), Abdul Salis (Eamon Valda), Kate Fleetwood (Liandrin Guirale), Priyanka Bose (Alanna Mosvani), Taylor Napier (Maksim), Hammed Animashaun (Loial), Sophie Okonedo (Siuan Sanche), Jennifer Cheon Garcia (Leanne Sharif), Kae Alexander (Min Farshaw), Alexander Karim (Lews Therin Telamon), and Fares Fares (Ishamael). We also expect Álvaro Morte back as Logain, since he was in Prague in September 2023, while filming was still taking place.
Actors returning from season 2 include: Nila Aalia (Adeleas), Meera Syal (Verin Mathwin), Heikko Deutschmann (Tomas), Ceara Coveney (Elayne Trakand), Joelle (Joiya Byir), Natasha O’Keeffe (Lanfear), Rachel Denning (Nyomi), Jay Duffy (Dain Bornhald), Ayoola Smart (Aviendha), Nyokabi Gethaiga (Ryma), Ragga Ragnars (Bain), Maja Simonsen (Chiad), and Laia Costa (Moghedien).
We also have some faces from season 1 that we expect to see again. These include Alexandre Willaume (Thom Merrilin), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Ila), Daryl McCormack (Aram), Narinder Samra (Raen), Katie Brayben (Latra). While unconfirmed, we may also see some familiar faces like Mandi Symonds (Daise Congar), Litiana Biutanaseva (Bode Cauthon), and Lilibet Biutanaseva (Eldrin Cauthon), all Two Rivers residents. We may also possibly see more of Magdalena Sittova (Shaiel) via a flashback.
Rima Te Wiata (Sheriam) will not be returning for season 3, but is expected to return for a fourth season, should the show get one.
New Cast
No new cast for season 3 have been officially announced. However, the following actors have been uncovered: Olumide Olorunfemi (Ispan), Diêm Camille (unknown role), Olivia Williams (likely Queen Morgase), Nuno Lopes (unknown role), Shohreh Aghdashloo (Elaida), Callum Kerr (Galad), Luke Fetherston (unknown role), Rob McLoughlin (Jaq Lounalt), Isabella Bucceri (Faile), Jared Doreck (Jaichim Carridin), Paul A Maynard (Jac al’Seen), Raksha Hoost (Shaine), Tereza Duskova (Maigran), Ania Marson (Latra), and Rebecca Root (Lelaine). Rina Mahoney will be joining the cast as Marin al’Vere.
Additionally, we suspect the following actors are part of the cast, but have not been able to find confirmation: Iman Marson, Ian Atwiine, Ferdinand McKay, Kiren Kebaili-Dwyer, Diana Dulinkova, and Natasha Culzac.
Audition Scripts
We have been able to uncover auditions for a number of different characters: a female Aiel channeler, a Two Rivers farmer, Couladin, a possible Wil al’Seen and Cenn Buie, and Sammael. Note that while previous audition scenes that made it into the final show were almost word for word, many times scenes are created for the purpose of auditions and do not show up in the final product. Thus, we shouldn’t assume the audition scenes will make it into the final show word for word, or even at all.
JordanCon
We’re hoping we can hear more about season 3 at JordanCon, happening April 19 – 21, 2024. For the past few years, Rafe Judkins has prepared news to share at the convention. In 2021, Rafe shared a message about when to expect the first trailer for the show. In 2022, Aviendha’s casting was revealed and the cast answered fan questions. Last year, in 2023, in addition to another Q&A, the official castings for Bain, Chiad, Dain Bornhald, and Sheriam were revealed.
If there is any sort of news from the convention, we will be sure to report it here!
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The series is a disappointment to anyone who has read the books. The first two seasons bear little resemblance to Robert Jordan’s work.
I will say that at first I agreed wit this. I made it through season 1 and unwillingly started season 2. However, at some point in season 2 it all starts to come together and I was hooked by the end. Looking forward to season 3.
Of course they’re way off from the books. They’re trying to fit 14 huge books into 8 seasons with 8 episodes. Did you really start watching the series thinking they were going to stick closely with the book? I agree that the first season was a disappointment but not b/c it’s off from the books
I think the writers are doing a great job telling the story. It may not mirror the books but the story is in there
I have all the books 7 or 8 times I’m 70 years young when I watch the series I expect to see differences thats when I and remember and fill in where it changes I would rather they stuck with the books but I still enjoy watching
It was, is a good show and has people from lots of different ages and backgrounds interested.
That says a lot as these days audiences tend to remain loyal to certain types of series and movies.
I have read this series about 8 times! While some things have been left out do to the size of the series I have been very pleased with season 1 & 2 so far.
For the nay sayers, get a grip there is no way to film everything. And I have seen worse butchery like The Lord of The Rings.
I can not understand people who think Peter Jackson butchered the LoTR and immediately discount their opinions on quite literally everything. If someone said to me that Peter Jackson ruined LoTR and then told me the sky was blue, I’d doubt my very own eyes and be certain the sky was pink. Name me one, even ONE, movie or series that has ever been made which held more truly to the books it was based on.
Not even close to the books took great books and craped on them. You could have stuck to real story line would not have cost any more. SHAME ON YOU.
It wouldn’t cost any more? They’d have to make longer seasons and more of them. How would that not cost more?
The only shame is on you. What on earth do you know about producing commercially viable shows like this while trying to represent 14 massive books closely? Comments like yours are easily made. I think they’ve gone very well. It’s a new reading, a new take, and vastly better than nothing. I’m enjoying them all.
I really didn’t like Season 1 at all. But I do think they turned it around in Season 2.
I felt too many of the changes in Season 1 were unnecessary, the worst be the circumstances around the conclusion of the season where Rand basically won just a “mind-battle” and abandoned his friends while everyone else seemingly did things that were far more significant. Not to mention in the books they went in as a team. That didn’t need to change as much as it did. Also, too many of the scenes in Season 1 seemed to drag while not really building character that much nor progressing the plot and many of the more significant plot scenes seemed often too brief.
Season 2 felt more spiritually faithful to the books. The changes seemed to make sense for brevity. The pacing of the story also seemed to be much better. I don’t remember the plot dragging. One can always quibble with changes, but in season 2 they seemed reasonable. Hopefully it continues along that path.
I think this is fun. Books aren’t movies or tv. I read the entire series as it was published, up until the handoff to Sanderson. Book one was the one Jordan always joked of rec.arts.sf.written that his publisher wrote for him making it more like lotr than he wanted. He found voice in the later books.
If books 4,5,6 are adapted well that makes this for me. They are the soul of the series before the scale of the books became daunting.
I love season 1 and 2 can not wait for season 3 to be out on prime. I love all the cast. Thank you all ❤️
Can someone,please explain the meaning of a season. other tv series have typically new episodes airing weekly for the entire season. 4 seasons per year each season 3 months long. by my calculations thats 12.99 episodes per season amazon prime only gives us 8 w.o.t. episodes. I Feel cheated. By end season 2 iwas feeling at a loss what to do for rest of season on airing night
cont.. at least give us 9 E per S. Consider the 9th a teaser or cliff that leads to the next season. I read some where that motion pictures/movies dont always follow the original authors work. adaptation of authors work doesnt need to be troublesome. screen writers need to do a much better job of adapting book series for movies/tv. When union employees negotiate new contracts, they always want more money, less work and more to get it done. what they usually get is a measly raise , more work and less time to get it done. my point is ” after all thats why they are paid the big bucks.”
To all the people who complain that it is different to the books I say this; go read the books. Do not come online and complain and say you are not going to watch it. No one is forcing you.
Different formats, different telling of the story. Do not forget that Harriet (Jordans wife and editor) funded, built an entire studio and is a major part of this project. It will have differences, deal with it
The Book was great and the series as well
I think they’re doing a decent job of converting the books. There are a couple changes that I didn’t like but overall I’m enjoying it. Season 2 was way better than season 1. Let’s hope it continues to improve
For someone who hasn’t read the books it I a great show. Comparing anything that is an adaption from a book never satisfies the fans of the source material. That’s why you have to watch with an open mind and judge it upon outs own merits, not that of one it came. Rosemont Pike is extremely talented and a joy to watch and deserve nothing but praise for sharing what you all love with the rest of the world.
If you haven’t read the books you must have been really confused about the horn of valere, and you wouldn’t have a clue about the people it summoned, because the show takes no time to explain it to the audience. I don’t think the show even made it clear that rands dad fought it the Aiel war, and that he’s a blade master.
I haven’t read the books. The series is some of the best TV I have ever seen, in all ways: photography is amazing, acting is superb, it’s very well written, it’s edited well. I love the music. I just can’t find a criticism worth mentioning. My husband and I have watched both seasons several times and are so looking forward to season three. Thanks to all involved for a wonderful high quality series!!
Nothing is more aggravating than 6 or 8 episode seasons on a show that has potential in either direction cancelled or renewed unfortunately these series seem to always get canceled just when they start getting good & addictive moving at a pace that you can’t wait for the next episode…really pisses me off especially sci fi or fantasy type series! There are way more nerds watching these shows than these streaming services realize they cancel series that are good & continue seriously boring series! I’d like to see the days when there was always 12 plus episodes on tv! 6-8 episodes never get the story moving in the right directions especially based on books.Like Winter is coming dragged on in game of thrones ! Less soapy more action for me any day for me!!
I’d normally think 8 episodes is more than enough for a season, but 8 episodes is a disservice to WoT on account of the size and scale of its story. Compressing and changing the books to ‘fit’ has sometimes meant the pacing is off and storyworld/plot details are occasionally less well-explained than they should be. Having said that, I actually think the producers have done a very good job – particularly in view of the time-limits and other complicating factors (COVID, losing Mat). They have captured the mood and essence of the story and its characters and plot is pretty much kept on track… The set production and costumes are outstanding! I very much hope we get to see all the other places in the WoT universe on-screen at some point because there is a very talented production design team at work here!
I just found this site and it made my day- loved all the books so much and the show is great! This information is great!
Blood and bloody ashes – the books were a triumph, even those concluded by Brandon.
Any haters of the series being filmed need to check themselves. Be a fan. Let things grow. I read the books as text on page. I have listened to Michael and Kate on audible. I have even bought the rosamind pike version 1-3 on audible.
All are different. But remember that at the core is a story that was told and a story that will live forever. The visual adaptation is not a beginning, for there is no beginning or end to the turning of the wheel of time, but it is “a beginning”.
Chill out. Love what you can love. Walk away rather than hate.
What would Rand do?
Season 2 was such an improvement over season 1. Im glad to see the show continuing and i expect that it will keep improving as the characters grow. I also think the writers for this have realized that a series with a more faithful adaptation is likely to be more successful. Unfortunately the lotr and witcher folks still have not figured this out. But there is no way to hope for a 14 season adaptation so my guess is a lot of the books are going to need editing and adaptation to reach a conclusion before interest and money run out. People will always find something to complain about but im juat happy to see this underappreciated work get some love. Hopefully people will also learn about and read the books.
So, Maxsim will be resurrected somehow? Seriously?
I can’t wait for season three, I love WOT
Grateful for the show know matter what it keeps you on your toes and because of stupid nes like all the good shows that come out will end before it time if your not going to finish it don’t start it