When Amazon Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time was cancelled in May 2023 after its third season, it came as a shock to both fans and the series’ cast. Based on the globally beloved book series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, the show had captivated audiences with its intricate world-building, complex characters, and stunning visuals. Yet, despite its critical praise and strong fanbase, the show’s sudden cancellation left many wondering if the story could continue elsewhere.
In a recent interview with Collider, Rosamund Pike, who portrayed the iconic Moiraine Damodred, addressed these concerns and discussed the future of the series. While grieving the end of the show, Pike expressed optimism about the possibility of continuing the story.
“In my dreams, another studio would be wise and pick it up,” she said, leaving the door open for a potential revival of The Wheel of Time outside of Amazon’s control.
Pike’s remarks have sparked renewed hope among fans, especially as a petition to save the series continues to gain momentum. But will The Wheel of Time return for a fourth season, or has this epic fantasy journey truly come to an end?
Overview: The Wheel of Time Cancellation and Revival Prospects
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancellation Date | May 2023 |
| Seasons Produced | 3 seasons |
| Critic Reception | 88% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, 75% audience score |
| Fan Reaction | Over 170,000 signatures on petition to save the show, with calls for its revival on another platform |
| Potential Revival | Hope for revival on another streaming service |
| Showrunner’s View | Rafe Judkins remains hopeful that another platform may pick up the series |
The Cancellation: What Went Wrong?
While The Wheel of Time garnered praise for its performances, particularly Pike’s portrayal of Moiraine, and was lauded for its world-building and visuals, the series was not without its challenges. The first season, in particular, faced criticism for pacing issues and the difficulty of adapting the complex source material. Pike herself acknowledged these growing pains in the Collider interview.
“The fans said Season 1 wasn’t good enough, which I think I agree with, for multiple reasons,” Pike explained. She pointed to external factors, including the COVID-19 shutdown and shifts in key departments, which disrupted the production process. However, by Season 2, Pike felt the creative team had gained more confidence and began delivering a much stronger product. “By Season 2, we knew what we were doing, and we offered up a much better season,” she said.
The show’s third season, in particular, was a turning point. Pike referred to it as a “well-acted, well-written, cohesive, deep show,” with stronger performances and clearer direction. By the time the third season aired, The Wheel of Time seemed to be hitting its stride, leading many to wonder why Amazon chose to cancel it at this stage.
“I think we’re possibly victims of the terrible churn factor of people wanting to show that ‘We’ve got a new show,’” Pike said.
She added that the entertainment industry’s focus on constantly introducing fresh content likely contributed to the decision to end the series, despite its growing fanbase and improving quality.
Despite this frustration, Pike made it clear that she remains emotionally connected to the series. She noted that the cast and crew had grown unusually close, regularly staying in touch through dinners and messages. “We know what to do with these books now, so who knows? But I think we have to accept that it’s over,” Pike said, acknowledging that the future of The Wheel of Time remains uncertain but not entirely closed off.
Could The Wheel of Time Return Elsewhere?
While the cancellation came as a disappointment, there is still hope for the series to continue. Both Pike and showrunner Rafe Judkins have expressed optimism that another platform might pick up the series and allow the story to continue.
Judkins, who was instrumental in adapting the series for television, expressed his own frustration over the cancellation. In a post on Instagram, he admitted that he didn’t know why the show was canceled, despite its strong fan reception. “We’ve all been incredibly lucky to make something that not only was beloved by fans (and even critics!), but was also watched by huge numbers of people all over the world,” he wrote, noting that the show had appeared in the Nielsen Top 10 for nearly 20 weeks, a rare feat for any show.
Despite the cancellation, Judkins remained hopeful that The Wheel of Time could continue on another streaming service. “So, who knows, perhaps The Wheel of Time show will do what the books have always managed to do since day one—defy the traditional definitions of ‘beginnings’ and ‘ends,’” he said. This sentiment has resonated with fans who are pushing for the show’s revival.
Fan Reaction: Petition to Save the Series
In the wake of the cancellation, The Wheel of Time’s fanbase has come together to launch a petition in an attempt to save the series. The petition, which has already garnered over 170,000 signatures, calls for the show to be continued, either on another streaming platform or through a different medium. The passionate response from fans demonstrates how deeply the series resonated with its audience.
“While it’s heartbreaking, this cancellation is not the end,” wrote one fan in a post on social media. “We know the potential of this story, and we believe another platform can help bring The Wheel of Time to its rightful conclusion.” This sentiment is echoed by many who feel that the series still has a lot of story left to tell.
Rafe Judkins: The Wheel of Time Deserves a Proper Conclusion
Judkins, in his emotional Instagram post, emphasized that the cancellation came as a shock, particularly given the show’s popularity with audiences. He stated, “What I can say is that the actors and crew on our show are the most talented and wonderful group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.” Judkins further noted the success of The Wheel of Time, which had a strong fan following and was praised for its high-quality production and performances.
As he continues to advocate for the show’s continuation, Judkins remains hopeful that The Wheel of Time could still find a home on another platform. “I certainly hope it does,” he wrote. “Because this book series and these fans deserve to see the story finished.”
Brandon Sanderson: The Author’s Take on the Cancellation
Brandon Sanderson, the author who completed the Wheel of Time book series after Robert Jordan’s death, also weighed in on the show’s cancellation. Sanderson expressed his disappointment over the decision, explaining that he had not been informed about the cancellation until it was made public. “I wasn’t really involved. I don’t know anything more than what is public,” he said in a YouTube post.
Despite his mixed feelings about the show’s adaptation, Sanderson acknowledged that the series had developed a loyal fanbase.
“I do think it’s a shame, as while I had my problems with the show, it had a fanbase who deserved better than a cancellation after the best season,” he said.
Could Another Platform Pick Up The Wheel of Time?
With the show’s critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase, the possibility of The Wheel of Time continuing on another platform remains a strong possibility. The fantasy genre has seen significant growth in recent years, with shows like The Witcher and House of the Dragon proving that there is a substantial audience for these types of stories. Given its established fanbase and strong performances, The Wheel of Time could be a prime candidate for another streaming service to pick up and continue.
Conclusion
The cancellation of The Wheel of Time was a blow to fans and creators alike, but the story may not be finished just yet. Rosamund Pike, Rafe Judkins, and the show’s dedicated fanbase continue to hope that the series will find new life elsewhere, whether on another streaming platform or through a different medium. For now, fans must continue their efforts to advocate for the show’s revival, while reflecting on the impact the series has had—and could continue to have—on the fantasy genre.
FAQs
The exact reason for the cancellation is unclear. Despite strong fan support and critical praise, Amazon chose not to continue the series after Season 3.
Yes, both Rosamund Pike and showrunner Rafe Judkins have expressed hope that another platform might pick up the series. Fans have also launched a petition to save the show, which has gained over 170,000 signatures.
Pike expressed grief over the show’s end but remains optimistic about the show’s future, hoping another studio will pick up The Wheel of Time.
There is potential for the show to be picked up by another streaming service, given its strong fanbase and critical acclaim.
Sanderson expressed disappointment, acknowledging that while he had issues with the adaptation, the show had a fanbase that deserved a proper conclusion.
