Nerdist and other outlets had an exclusive first look at Tanchico, which will host one of the main plotlines of Season 3. As detailed in this article, Nerdist Editor in chief, Amy Ratcliffe, toured the set in South Africa during filming early in 2024 with Production Designer Ondřej Nekvasil. The set was built in Cape Town Film Studios, which is known for big productions such as “One Piece” and “Black Sails”.
The article notes that “Production designer Ondřej Nekvasil said he and his team built upon this base to create an ancestral city with a tropical vibe. They constructed the additional structures on the existing set to flesh out the city’s port, as well as adding the entrance wall to the city itself.”
Tanchico Set Photos
It is clear from the photos and the set description that the cast in the Tanchico plot all filmed in South Africa. This includes Dónal Finn (Mat), Kae Alexander (Min), Ceara Coveney (Elayne) and Zöe Robins (Nynaeve). However, we do know of Tanchico sets built at Barrandov Studios in Prague. So it is likely that the Cape Town Film Studios scenes were all reserved for external shots while the interiors where filmed back in Prague. The Nerdist article confirms this as well. The photo we saw last week from the Tanchico set and dated August 2023. That was filmed in Prague. Filming in South Africa did not start until February of 2024
Tanchico
Tanchico, the capital of Tarabon, sits on the Aryth Ocean at the mouth of the River Andahar. Built on three peninsulas: Verana, Maseta, and Calpene, the city is fortified by a dozen harbor fortresses. Notable landmarks include the Great Circle on Calpene, used for horse races and fireworks, the King’s Circle on Maseta, and the Panarch’s Circle and Palace on Verana. The Civil Watch maintains order in the city.
In the books, Nynaeve, Elayne, Thom and Juilin Sandar travel to Tanchico in search of the Black Ajah. In the show, Mat and Min join the crew in Tanchico, but there is no confirmation that Juilin has been cast.
Likely Tanchico Set Satellite View
Tanchico Map from The Wheel of Time Book Series
All episodes of the first two seasons of The Wheel of Time are now available on Prime Video. Season 3 premiers on Prime Video on March 13, 2025.
I am a long-time fantasy fan. Also a technology generalist with a knack for research. A mix of Brown, Blue, and Yellow Ajah.
Love seeing the new costumes and the new set! I think it looks a little bit too decrepit for my taste. Open to be surprised by seeing the city in action.
This travesty is still airing? No respect for Robert Jordan’s work.
No one is burning Jordan’s books. I am reading one again now. The show is giving me surprises that I would not get with a word-for-word show.
Have I loved every minute..no. Will I watch every episode at least twice…yes. Will I still complain…yes. Am I on a site right now jonesing for news…yes. Do I think the show is making some crazy/questionable changes to cannon…yes. Am I dying to see iconic scenes, altered as they are, play out in a visual medium..yes. Do i think they are shortening the story too much…yes. Do I think some changes, like making the Foresaken way scarier and competent ehance the story…yes. All I’m saying is i have been wating/dreaming of this adaptation for over 20 years. At first I was not too stoked, but after time I just love this imperfect and vastly different turning of the wheel. I am here for it, warts an all.