Amazon Studios has ordered The Wheel of Time, a live-action series based on Robert Jordan’s bestselling fantasy novels.
Partnering with Sony Pictures Television, Amazon will produce The Wheel of Time, with Rafe Judkins serving as showrunner.
Debuting in 1990, The Wheel of Time consists of 14 novels, the final three of which were co-written by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan’s death in 2007. The planned TV adaptation was trapped in development hell until Sony announced it was moving forward with the series, and that Judkins, whose credits include Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hemlock Grove, had signed on as writer and executive producer.
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The Wheel of Time series is known for its sprawling, complicated plot, large cast of diverse characters, and unique system of magic. The story begins with a group of young villagers recruited by a powerful Aes Sedai sorceress, who promises to help the women among them to train their innate abilities — and to protect and contain the men, who may have been born with magical power but cannot wield it without going mad. Gradually, the motives of the Aes Sedai, the mysteries of the rebirth cycle, and the clashing of political powers bring the characters into a worldwide conflict.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, called the series “endlessly fascinating,” and noted that “we were drawn to its timely narrative featuring powerful women at the core.”
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to produce The Wheel of Time with our friends at Amazon,” said Chris Parnell, co-president of Sony Pictures Television said in a statement. “In Rafe Judkins, we’ve found a brilliant visionary that is a true fan of the books and ready to bring Robert Jordan’s world to life.”
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