Having covered the production of The Wheel of Time television series for over 5 years, our crew has developed quite the unique perspective of what it takes to bring an epic story like Robert Jordan’s opus to the screen. If you thought it takes an army, you would in fact be a few armies short. Filmmaking is hard, especially on a project this big. We’re talking about hundreds of professionals working in a dozen or so departments. They begin months before filming starts and finish months after filming wraps. They’re on set hours before the first shot, first take and leave hours after filming ends. They give actors their make-up, their costumes, their words, their accents, their lighting, their sound, their music, their invisible magic, their props, their background, their atmosphere, their ride, their safety, their meals, and so many other things.

It is unfortunate that we cannot highlight the effort and commitment of every person working behind the scenes to make this show happen, but through recognizing the filmmakers below, we’re also recognizing their teams who help them bring our favorite series to the small screen. In the words of Robert Jordan: Kiserai ti wansho, or honor to the builders in the Old Tongue. Here are the builders of The Wheel of Time series:

(Note: Please click on this link for a raw list of all the creatives and filmmakers listed below)

Writers

In season 3 we will see most of the writers return, including showrunner Rafe Judkins, as well as Justine Juel Gillmer, Rammy Park, and David Hill. Here’s the complete list of episodes and writers:

  • Episode 301 (To Race the Shadow): Justine Juel Gillmer
    • Executive Producer
    • Also wrote 106 and 207
  • Episode 302: Katherine B. McKenna
    • Executive Story Editor
    • Co-wrote 107
    • Wrote 202
  • Episode 303: Beverly Okhio
    • Story Editor
  • Episode 304: Rafe Judkins
    • Showrunner and Executive Producer
    • Also wrote 101, 108 and 208
  • Episode 305: Ajoke Ibironke
  • Episode 306: Rammy Park
    • Executive Story Editor
    • Also wrote 206
    • Wrote The Wheel of Time Origins animated series
  • Episode 307 (Goldeneyes): Dave Hill
    • Executive Producer
    • Also wrote 104 and 204
  • Episode 308: Justine Juel Gillmer

Isabella Whiteman served as writers’ assistants. And whenever we talk about writing for the show, we have to give a special mention to long-time fan of The Wheel of Time, Sarah Nakamura, who serves as Researcher for the show and lends her knowledge of the book series to this production.

Directors and Cinematographers

Following the format of season 2 with one lead director running two blocks of two episodes each and two more directors directing a block apiece, season 3 returns with two veterans of the show. Ciaran Donnelly who directed 107 and 108 returns to direct episodes 301, 302, 307 and 308 (blocks 1 and 4). Thomas Napper who directed 201 and 202 returns to direct block 2, or episodes 303 and 304. And finally, Marta Cunningham joins the show to direct episodes 305 and 306 (block 3).

Director Ciaran Donnelly was at the helm during COVID and had to go through production stoppages and other restrictions caused by the pandemic. We are excited to see his work without these interruptions, although his directorial work for season 3 didn’t go without problems given the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.

As for cinematography, David Luther returns from season 1 to join newcomers Christopher Norr and Jean-Phillipe Gossart. Here’s the block breakdown:

 

Costumes, Hair and Make-up

Sharon Gilham (Costume Designer) and Davina Lamont (Make-Up, Hair & Prosthetics Designer) are returning for season 3. Following their widely-praised work in season 2, both designers are responsible for creating the visual aesthetics for new cultural environments, including Tanchico and the Age of Legends, in addition to a more expansive look at the Aiel and their various clans. It isn’t entirely out of the question to also see them tackle an entirely new species should season 3 introduce the Aelfinn and/or Eelfinn. Also returning is Makeup Effects Designer, Nick Dudman.

Side-by-side comparison of the costume concept and live-action realization of Lanfear from The Wheel of Time. On the left, the concept art depicts a sleek and elegant black outfit with intricate metallic details, asymmetrical design, and a high-fashion aesthetic, including a structured shoulder piece and lace-up thigh-high boots. On the right, the live-action version closely matches the concept, with actress Natasha O’Keeffe wearing a similar dark, gothic-inspired ensemble. The costume includes a dramatic horned headdress, structured leather elements, and a flowing high-slit skirt, set against a sunny outdoor backdrop. The design by Sharon Gilham and hair/makeup by Davina Lamont emphasize Lanfear’s commanding and otherworldly presence.

Left: Concept art by Sharon Smith for Sharon Gilham. Right: Natasha O’Keeffe as Lanfear. Costume by Sharon Gilham, Hair/Make-up by Davina Lamont

 

Set Design

The Wheel of Time’s rich, expansive narrative demands intricate world-building, and Set Designer Ondřej Nekvasil has been instrumental in bringing this complexity to life since season 1. Having crafted iconic locations like the Two Rivers, Tar Valon, Cairhien and Fal Dara in the first two seasons, Nekvasil returns to design the distinctive environments of Tanchico and the Aiel Waste. We should also expect a visual journey set in the Age of Legends and beyond as we venture through the history of the Aiel.

Music

We should also expect to see Lorne Balfe return to score season 3. No official announcement was made, however, in a Twitter interaction, the award-winning composer did confirm that he was working on season 3 of The Wheel of Time.

Screenshot of twitter exchange where Lorne Balfe indicated that he was working on the third season of the wheel of time

Casting

Season 3 is set to feature well over 100 new cast members, ranging from talents in supporting roles to established stars taking on iconic Wheel of Time characters. Kelly Valentine Hendry returns as Casting Director, bringing the same talent-selection expertise that distinguished the show’s first two seasons. With acclaimed actors such as Shohreh Aghdashloo and Olivia Williams joining the cast, the upcoming season appears poised to offer up more outstanding performances in acting.

Stunts

Jan Petrina returns as Stunt Coordinator for the upcoming season, bringing his extensive experience from the show’s first and second seasons. His return is particularly significant given the action sequences anticipated with the Aiel in the Waste and the Battle of the Two Rivers. Beyond his stunt coordination, Petrina has also appeared on-screen in the first episode as the “Old Man” – the imaginary companion to the male channeler gentled by Liandrin and her group of Red Sisters.

Editors

 

 

The Wheel of Time Season 3 Filmmakers:

  • Writers:
    • Justine Juel Gillmer
    • Katherine B. McKenna
    • Beverly Okhio
    • Rafe Lee Judkins
    • Ajoke Ibironke
    • Rammy Park
    • Dave Hill
    • Isabella Whiteman (Writers’ Assistant)
    • Sarah Nakamura (Researcher / Consultant)
  • Directors
    • Ciaran Donnelly
    • Thomas Napper
    • Marta Cunningham
  • Cinematographers
    • Christopher Norr
    • David Luther
    • Jean-Phillipe Gossart
  • Costumes, Hair and Make-up
    • Sharon Gilham (Costume Designer)
    • Davina Lamont (Make-Up, Hair & Prosthetics Designer)
    • Nick Dudman (Make-up Effects Designer)
  • Set Design
    • Ondřej Nekvasil (Production Designer)
  • Music
    • Lorne Balfe (Composer)
  • Casting
    • Kelly Valentine Hendry (Casting Director)
  • Stunts
    • Jan Petrina (Stunt Coordinator)
  • Editors
    • David Blackmore
    • Mark Hermida
    • Ben Wilson
    • Chris Barwell
    • Fiona Colbeck
    • Erline O’Donovan-Clarke
    • Joe Sawyer

 

It bears repeating that it takes a village to make a show like The Wheel of Time happen. Although we cannot recognize and acknowledge the hundreds of people working on the show individually, we can honor their work and talent by consuming their art, sharing it, acknowledging their contributions, and engaging in respectful conversations about the art. I’ll end with Robert Jordan’s words because I cannot offer any better: Kiserai ti wansho. Honor to the builders.

 

 

Ed. Notes:

  1. We left out VFX because we have a planned follow-up article to highlight the studios working on season 3. 
  2. The information above was assembled from various sources including agency and personal CVs, IMDBPro, Interviews, publicly shared posts and other resources.

Story featured photo credit: The Wheel Of Time official Instagram account

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I am a long-time fantasy fan. Also a technology generalist with a knack for research. A mix of Brown, Blue, and Yellow Ajah.