The Wheel of Time origin movie with The Falcon and Winter Soldier director Kari Skogland in the works

The Wheel of Time is leaping to feature film terrain with a trilogy of films exploring the origins of Robert Jordan’s bestselling book series. Getting behind the camera for the first chapter is Kari Skogland, who directed Marvel Studios’ Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Solider. Skogland directs the fantasy film from a script by Zack Stentz (Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, Thor, X-Men: First Class).

According to Deadline‘s exclusive report, the first film in The Wheel of Time trilogy is “set several millennia before the timeline of the books; the Age of Legends will chart the emergence of “the Dark One.” when the world descended into darkness and war. The film will delve into the corrosive nature of power and pride, as seen through the tragic tales of the Forsaken – once honored leaders who fell victim to the Dark One’s seduction, each personifying distinct elements of human weakness and ambition. The story will also portray the valorous sacrifices of unexpected heroes who rise against the Dark One to defend humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.”

Eva Longoria, James Leon, Mike McGuiness, and Justin Smith are executive producers, with Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon of iwot Productions and Ted Field of Radar Pictures.

Canadian filmmaker Kari Skogland’s director credits extend across a wide variety of television series, including episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Walking Dead, NOS4A2, Power, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, The Borgias, The Listener, and more.

Speaking about the opportunity to direct a fantasy world as treasured as The Wheel of Time, Skogland told Deadline, “Directing The Age of Legends is a remarkable opportunity to bring a beloved universe to life and delve into the rich lore that has long captivated the hearts of millions of book readers around the world.”

“My vision is to honor the worldbuilding of Jordan’s masterwork, while peeling back the layers of legend and myth to reveal the flesh-and-blood characters underneath — flawed heroes and villains alike — ordinary people forced to make extraordinary choices as their world unravels.”

Are you looking forward to The Wheel of Time origin movie? Did you read Robert Jordan’s classic series in your youth? What high-fantasy property would you like to receive this level of attention and detail? Let us know in the comments below.