Prime Video cut its Wheel of Time TV adaptation short by canceling it only after three seasons. While it is arguable how good The Wheel of Time was compared to other ongoing fantasy franchises on streaming right now, the show was only starting to show its true potential when Prime Video pulled the plug on it. Its third season was easily its best installment, setting the stage for a brighter future for the overarching franchise.
Unfortunately, Prime Video will seemingly stick to its decision of not continuing the live-action series beyond season 3. However, The Wheel of Time is still set to return to the screens in different capacities and potentially compete with another massive fantasy franchise.
Both Wheel Of Time & The Cosmere Universe Books Are Getting TV & Movie Adaptations
After the live-action Wheel of Time show’s cancellation, the franchise is reportedly all set to return soon with an animated series, a new video game, and animated movies. Vu, Initiate Entertainment’s Anthony Borquez, and iwot CEO Rick Selvage and COO Larry are together working on the project, promising that the live-action show’s cancellation will not end the on-screen franchise.
Considering how the live-action show’s viewership was not matching its high budget, it makes sense that the animation route is now being taken to expand the franchise.
Interestingly, Wheel of Time is not the only fantasy literary series that is getting both movie and TV adaptations in the near future. Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Universe books have also been picked up by Apple TV for both movie and TV adaptations. The exact nature of these adaptations remains unknown, but they will likely get live-action treatment.
Fans of Sanderson’s work will know that he has also worked on the latter installments of The Wheel of Time book series. After Robert Jordan’s demise, the author’s wife and editor, Harriet McDougal, asked Sanderson to finish The Wheel of Time series.
With both fantasy franchises now getting new movie and TV adaptations, they could be up for a fascinating fantasy rivalry despite sharing the same author. While it is unknown whether Brandon Sanderson will be involved with the new animated takes on The Wheel of Time, Apple TV has reportedly given him unprecedented control over the upcoming adaptations of his Cosmere Universe books.
As reports confirm, The Starlight Archive books are being considered for a TV adaptation, and Sanderson will serve as the show’s co-showrunner. Meanwhile, the Mistborn books will get the big screen treatment, with Sanderson penning the scripts.
The New Wheel Of Time Adaptations Must Learn 1 Lesson From The Prime Video Live-Action Show’s Mistake
Prime Video’s live-action adaptation of The Wheel of Time had also taken Brandon Sanderson onboard as the consulting producer. However, as the author later reported (via Collider), he was “largely ignored” when the show was being produced. He further added that his name was only linked to the project to give it more legitimacy.
Fortunately, unlike Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time, Apple TV’s upcoming adaptations of The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn have given Brandon Sanderson immense creative control. Reports suggest that even authors like J.K. Rowling and George R.R. Martin did not enjoy this level of involvement in the screen adaptations of their works.
Sanderson’s heavy involvement in the development of the Cosmere Universe’s on-screen expansion spells a bright future for the Apple TV franchise. Prime Video, too, seems to have the perfect opportunity to make up for its past mistakes by getting Sanderson directly involved in the upcoming movie and TV adaptations.
Hopefully, Prime Video’s new approach towards bringing The Wheel of Time to the screens will not disappoint and last far longer than the live-action show.
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- Character(s)
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Kaladin Stormblessed, Vin, Kelsier, Shallan Davar, Dalinar Kholin, Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Lift, Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian, Wayne, Jasnah Kholin
The Cosmere is a vast interconnected universe created by author Brandon Sanderson, encompassing multiple fantasy series and standalone novels. Each series is set on a different planet within the Cosmere, featuring unique magic systems and cultures, yet all are subtly linked through overarching themes and characters. This intricate world-building allows for a rich, immersive reading experience, with stories that intertwine across series boundaries.
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- First TV Show
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The Wheel of Time
- Latest TV Show
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The Wheel of Time
- First Episode Air Date
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November 19, 2021
- Cast
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Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoe Robins, Madeleine Madden, Josha Stradowski, Dónal Finn, Marcus Rutherford, Ceara Coveney, Kae Alexander, Ayoola Smart, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Cheon Garcia, Alexandre Willaume, Álvaro Morte
- TV Show(s)
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The Wheel of Time
A sprawling epic fantasy franchise rooted in Robert Jordan’s landmark 14‑volume novel series—later completed by Brandon Sanderson—centered on the cyclical struggle between Light and Shadow, anchored by the prophesied Dragon Reborn and a richly woven world of magic, politics, and myth.
