The prophecies are grim for fans of Prime Video's The Wheel of Time. After weeks of anxious waiting, it's now official: the adaptation of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson's epic fantasy saga will conclude after its third season.
This crushing news, first reported by Deadline Hollywood, arrived this afternoon, leaving the show's dedicated fanbase reeling.
Previously, Judkins told THR, "So I am hopeful that we will get to finish this story. I think it’s a story that in many ways is important because of its length, and because it gets better as it goes."
"The books get better as they go and the show is getting better as it goes. I think we can continue that arc if we’re allowed to continue. But it is different [now]. Television’s moving in a direction where things just come in, splash and leave. But the history of television is that its strength is longform storytelling; that you stick with it and you love these characters and you follow them through 60 to 100 hours. That’s where television has its strength. That’s where it’s better than movies, at telling those kinds of stories."
The reason for the cancellation isn't dwindling viewership, as many might assume. Instead, financial considerations are reportedly behind Prime Video's decision, according to Deadline.
In fact, the series was a surprising favorite among several network executives. This makes the axing an especially bitter pill to swallow, particularly as Season 3 was beginning to hew much closer to the beloved source material, a welcome change after some significant diversions in Seasons 1 and 2.
Book readers know that the sprawling, 14-volume Wheel of Time saga starts slowly but truly hits its stride and reaches breathtaking highs in its later installments. Sadly, it appears the Rafe Judkins-led series will never have the chance to fully explore those highly anticipated narrative peaks.
As is often the case these days with ambitious, high-concept series that get canceled, The Wheel of Time's fanbase is already mobilizing. Supporters are already rallying to keep the story alive, launching campaigns in hopes of securing a new platform to continue the show.
Stay tuned to SFFGazette as we're anticipating having statements from Judkins and the show's cast fairly soon.
About The Wheel of Time season 3
Based on the international best-selling book series by Robert Jordan, The Wheel of Time is a visionary fantasy that tells the story of a man destined to face the Dark One and save the world - or destroy it. In Season 3, as threats against the Light are multiplying, Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike) and Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski) embark on a perilous journey to the Aiel Waste to uncover the true fate of the Dragon Reborn. With the Forsaken in hot pursuit and Rand’s corrupted power growing stronger, Moraine must prevent the Dragon from turning Dark… no matter the cost.