Amazon’s highly-anticipated series adaptation of beloved book series The Wheel Of Time has found its star. Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) has signed on to play the lead role of Moiraine in the TV adaptation of Robert Jordan‘s fantasy novels. The announcement was confirmed on Twitter:
Please welcome Rosamund Pike to the Wheel of Time family. Say hello to Moiraine. #WoTWednesday pic.twitter.com/577Hffwy6Y
— The Wheel Of Time (@TheWheelOfTime) June 19, 2019
The Wheel Of Time is set in an epic world where magic exists, but only women can use it. The story follows Moiraine, a member of the shadowy and influential all-female organisation Aes Sedai, as she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women.
She believes one of these five might be the reincarnation of an incredibly powerful individual, whom prophecies state will either save humanity, or destroy it. The series draws from European and Asian culture and philosophy, with the cyclical nature of time most often found in Buddhism and Hinduism.
The Eye Of The World, the first volume of Jordan’s series, was published in 1984. He was working on the planned 12th and final novel in 2007 before sadly dying. However, he left extensive notes on what was to come, and author Brandon Sanderson adapted them into a three-part conclusion published between 2009 and 2013.
Rafe Judkins will serve as showrunner. The first season will consist of an as-yet-unknown number of hourlong episodes. Amazon is reportedly hoping the show will become event viewing in the same way Game Of Thrones was for HBO. They also have other “event” series in the works, such as The Lord Of The Rings and Jack Ryan, which is entering its second season.
Pike broke out thanks to her incredible, Oscar-nominated role in David Fincher‘s Gone Girl. She’s since gone on to star in A Private War, and co-starred in the Nick Hornby series adaptation State Of The Union. She’ll next be seen playing Marie Curie in the biopic, Radioactive.
Amazon hasn’t yet announced a premiere date for The Wheel Of Time. With casting clearly underway, expect filming to commence by the end of this year.
#Peace.Love.TheWheelOfTime
