The Wheel of Time showrunner says the series could last for eight epic seasons

The Wheel of Time showrunner Rafe Judkins is confident that Amazon’s adaptation of Robert Jordan’s classic novel series will be something worth celebrating for years to come. In a recent interview with Deadline, Judkins spoke about the curious recasting of one of the show’s main characters, as well as how long the show could last.

While speaking with the outlet, Judkins touched on the recasting of core character Mat Cauthon from Barney Harris to Dónal Finn in Season 2.

“It’s always hard but we’re really lucky that Barney is so great in the first season; I love him in the show,” Judkins told Deadline. “And Dónal Finn, who is playing Mat in Season 2, is amazing. I have seen him up on set doing his scenes now and they’re incredible and they fully capture the character. I think it’s a testament to this character and how great the character of Mat is that it really feels seamless between the two actors.”

Judkins has made it clear that he’s a major fan of Jordan’s novels, and that he plans on honoring the source material to the best of his ability. There will be some exceptions, of course, but fans can rest easy knowing that he has things well in hand.

“The pressure is unbelievable from all sides at all times,” Judkins said. “I feel the personal pressure because I love this series. I fought to get it made for TV and that fight was so hard. It’s a success we’re getting it made but now I face the additional pressure to do everyone proud. So many people love these books so much. And nobody is a tougher critic than my mom. I send the scripts to her to get an opinion and she always tells me the truth. ‘You screwed up on this and you gotta fix it.’ I tell her, ‘Ok, mom. I’m going to fix it.’ My mom should get a consulting fee.”

He continued, “I think that’s the thing we do, above all else is respect the characters. I love these characters, even the bad guys. So every change that we make in the show, the thing we try never to change is these characters in the core of who they are and the actors captured that so perfectly. If that’s the thing that fans are really looking for, I think they will like this show. If they’re looking for us to stick to every single detail of the machinations of the plot or the places that they go or the people that they’ve talked to, they will more likely be disappointed. But if they’re looking for us to get these characters to screen, the heart of who they are alive, then I think we’re doing that.”

The Wheel of Time is one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all time, with more than 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 (Rosamund Pike), 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.

While continuing to speak with Deadline, Judkins assured fans that good things will come to those who wait. The Wheel of Time is a massive undertaking, and if the show is going to last, it could be a while before signature plot elements are revealed.

“One thing we’re trying to hide from the audience is who the Dragon Reborn is, it’s the mystery of the show as we start to unravel this story,” he said. “People who have read the books will know, of course. The first book is told from the Dragon Reborn’s perspective but the whole book series is an ensemble piece. One of the defining things about the book series is the different POV characters, [which we leaned into]. This show is the first fantasy series to have half of those POVs from women, so this is a really incredible ensemble piece in the way the book series does in its entirety.”

He added, “For me, I always have to approach it as if we’re going to get to tell the whole story that’s in the books. If we don’t approach it that way, then we’d set ourselves up to not stick the landing and these books have such a good ending. I really need to set us up to get there if we’re able to. That’s not up to me ultimately. If people watch it and Amazon wants to keep doing more, I’d love to continue to expand this world further.”

If Judkins has his way, there will be plenty of time to touch on the most pivotal aspects of Jordan’s story. While the show is busy filming its second season, Judkins says that he could see the show lasting as long as eight seasons.

Woof! I know another swords and sorcery series that lasted for eight seasons, and it didn’t end so well for them. I hope Judkins can pace The Wheel of Time in such a way that it doesn’t wear out its welcome, or end with a franchise-crushing finale.

The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins. Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of iwot productions, Mike Weber, Ted Field of Radar Pictures, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, and Uta Briesewitz will also serve as executive producers, with Briesewitz set to direct the first two episodes. Rosamund Pike will serve as producer and Harriet McDougal and Brandon Sanderson as consulting producers. The Wheel of Time is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.