In addition to developing a series based on J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Amazon Prime Video is also readying a series adaptation of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series. Back in mid-June, it was announced that GONE GIRL alumna Rosamund Pike would lead the series, and today we have word that Amazon has added five more actors to the show's growing roster.
Now set to join the high fantasy epic are Madeleine Madden (PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK) as “Egwene Al’Vere”, Marcus Rutherford (OBEY) as “Perrin Aybara”, Barney Harris (BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK) as “Mat Cauthon”, Zoë Robins (COWBOYS AND ANGELS) as “Nynaeve”, and Josha Stradowski (JUST FRIENDS) as “Rand Al’Thor”.
You can read Amazon's official description for the series below:
The Wheel of Time is one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all-time, with over 90 million books sold. Set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it, the story follows Moiraine, a member of the incredibly powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the small town of Two Rivers. There, she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity.
Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling fantasy novels, The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of Red Eagle Entertainment (WINTER DRAGON), Ted Field and Mike Weber of Radar Pictures (JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE), Darren Lemke (SHAZAM!), Marigo Kehoe and Uta Briesewitz also will serve as executive producers, with Briesewitz poised to direct the first two episodes. Meanwhile, Rosamund Pike will also serve as a producer in addition to her acting duties.
Jordan's The Wheel of Time series of novels have sold over 90 million copies worldwide, so there is obviously going to be pressure on Amazon to make their upcoming series as epic as the project's source material.The streamer recently found major success with their series adaptation of THE BOYS, which is based on the ruthless comic book series written and co-created by Garth Ennis, with designs and illustrations by Darick Robertson. With Amazon focusing down on bringing high profile properties to their streaming service, it looks as if Amazon Prime costumers will soon have even more reasons for keeping their subscription alongside services like Netflix and Hulu, among others.