Wheel Of Time Showrunner Says Game Of Thrones Comparison Is Inevitable
The Wheel of Time showrunner, Rafe Judkins, thinks the series being compared to Game of Thrones is inevitable. Penned by Robert Jordon and Brandon Sanderson, The Wheel of Time series spanned 14 novels and has become one of the best-selling fantasy series since J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Hailed for its detailed imaginary world, complex characters, and impeccably developed magic system, The Wheel of Time centers on Moiraine Damodred, a member of the all-female organization of the Aes Sedai, as she embarks on a perilous mission.
In 2018, Amazon shook the fantasy world when it announced it would give the Wheel of Time show a series order. Helmed by Judkins, The Wheel of Time has been in production since 2019. Featuring a massive cast, including Rosamund Pike as Moiraine, Daniel Henney as al'Lan Mandragoran, Josha Stradowski as Rand al’Thor, and Zoë Robins as Nynaeve al’Meara, The Wheel of Time season 1 will debut on Amazon in November 2021. Recently, Amazon released the trailer for Wheel of Time, which indicated that the series may be making some major changes to Jordon’s novels. Now, as the series gears up to finally unveil the complex world, Judkins speaks on the epic fantasy.
Speaking with Den of Geek, Judkins admits that Amazon’s Wheel of Time series being compared to HBO’s Game of Thrones is inevitable. Judkins revealed that The Wheel of Time remains true to the novels while offering components that are fresh and unique, to honor longtime fans as well as newcomers. Addressing that networks have been searching for the next fantasy series to fill the Game Of Thrones void, Rudkins confirmed that comparisons between Wheel of Time and Game of Thrones are inevitable, but viewers should remember that the Wheel of Time novels existed first. Read what Judkins said below:
The Wheel of Time came out before Game of Thrones, in terms of the books. There’s so much that is in Game of Thrones – and George [R.R. Martin] will say this – that was inspired by The Wheel of Time. But we as creators have to be mindful of the fact that Game of Thrones has already come out and is a reference point for a lot of audiences.
Of course, adapting Wheel of Time to the small screen is no easy feat, but it appears Judkins has ensured the show adheres to the important details from the novels. Specifically noting the channeling of Aes Sedai magic, Judkins said, “The author made a system that makes sense. It works; it has rules, and you have to follow them.” Indeed, the final season of Game of Thrones was considered controversial and left fans unsatisfied. However, fantasy genre fans should note that The Wheel of Time's source material has a lot more characters to focus on than Game of Thrones did, and could easily surpass eight seasons.
For decades, The Wheel of Time has resonated with readers for its endlessly fascinating world, intricate weaponry, and powerful women as its core. Of course, the anticipation for Wheel of Time season 1 continues to grow. Those familiar with the beloved novels, as well as those eager to dive into a new fantasy series, have a lot to look forward to with Amazon's adaptation of The Wheel of Time.
Source: Den of Geek