The cast of ‘The Wheel of Time’ | Source: NYCC/the Pop Insider

The Wheel is spinning and we are entranced.

At NYCC, the cast from Amazon Prime’s The Wheel of Time took to the (virtual) stage to drop some tea on the new series that will premiere in November. They talked about what it was like to turn a book series with 14 volumes worth of life, stories, and magic into something that new and old fans alike can adore.

Check out the top five things we learned at the panel.

1. Moiraine knows how to make an entrance.

In the first full clip from the series, we see all of the main characters in one place for the first time as Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) and Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) enter an inn. Even those who know nothing about the books can guess that something magical is about to go down. Watch the clip below.

2. The cast and crew are big fans of the books and Josha Stradowski (Rand al’Thor) is currently on the 11th one.

“It’s truly a gift to have so much material to sink your teeth into,” says Stradowski, “It’s amazing to get to understand the world of The Wheel of Time with its different beliefs, cultures, and places. It’s a big mountain to climb but I’m almost to the top of Everest and I guess the view from up there must be amazing.”

3. All of the cast loved their horses — but Madeleine Madden’s (Egwene al’Vere) was especially gassy.

“I’ll never forget when someone was doing a really amazing monologue or sort of intense scene … and then Archie just rips the loudest fart,” she jokes.

Related: NYCC 2021: Chucky Is Not Just Child’s Play Anymore

4. Someone was paid to read all of the books and describe the key locations.

Reading books all day and telling people what to do — where do I sign up?

Showrunner Rafe Judkins shared that the series’ book researcher — who has read the books around 30 times — would create a handy list of every detail mentioned about new locations in order for the crew to create the most realistic set possible.

5. Season two is happening and new characters are coming.

Judkins revealed that Ceara Coveney (The Amazing World of Emma) has been cast to play fan-favorite Elayne Trakand. Natasha O’Keeffe (Peaky Blinders) and Meera Syal (Broadchurch) are also joining the cast, but Judkins couldn’t (wouldn’t?) say who they’ll be playing, only that they’re *big* characters.

Catch the series premiere of The Wheel on Nov. 19 on Prime Video!

About the author

Nicole Savas

Nicole Savas

As a kid, Nicole either wanted to be a professional toy player-wither or a writer. Somehow, as social media editor for The Toy Insider, The Toy Book, and The Pop Insider, she’s found a career as both. She's grateful to work somewhere that she can fully embrace both her love of teddy bears and her admiration for the Oxford comma. When she's not playing with toys at work, she's playing with her baby girl at home.

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