Amazon Prime Video has secured Uta Briesewitz (Westworld) to direct the first two episodes of the streaming service’s upcoming adaptation of Robert Jordan’s magnum opus fantasy book series, The Wheel of Time.
Briesewitzis no stranger to the world of fantasy, science fiction, and all things mystic and magical — she’s directed episodes for the vampire cult-hit, True Blood, dipped heavily into the bucket of super heroes directing episodes of Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, The Defenders, and most recently made a name for herself by directing arguably the best episode of season 2 of Westworld, the poetic Kiksuya.
First published in 1990, the fourteen book series has sold over 80 million copies world wide, and is regarded by many as one of the finest works of fantasy literature. In addition to the television adaptation, there have been multiple attempts at bringing the series to the big screen. There are several video games, a roleplaying game, and even a convention, Jordancon, held annually in Atlanta, Georgia, since 2009.
Per Amazon, “The Wheel of Time is set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists, but only women can use it. Meaning that in this series — women hold the keys to power. The story follows Moiraine, a member of the shadowy and influential all-female organization called the ‘Aes Sedai’ as she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women. Moiraine’s interested in these five because she believes one of them might be the reincarnation of an incredibly powerful individual, whom prophecies say will either save humanity or destroy it.”
The series will launch in over 200 countries, with one-hour episodes written by Rafe Judkins (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), who will also serve as series showrunner and executive producer. Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon of Red Eagle Entertainment will be executive producing alongside Judkins, with Ted Field and Mike Weber of Radar Pictures and Darren Lemke. Jordan’s widow Harriet McDougal will be acting as a consulting producer.
Filming will reportedly begin this September in Prague.
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