From the moment Amazon first announced its plans to adapt author Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time novels as a series, the internet hasn’t been able to help itself from comparing the project with the series responsible for redefining fantasy TV: Game of Thrones.
It’s not hard to see why fans have been comparing the two series. Both are adaptations of successful fantasy book series, and both received sizable budgets which helped the production teams create vast and cinematic worlds.
But there are also plenty of differences that set the two shows apart. While The Wheel of Time is still early in its run and establishing itself among the ranks of fantasy greats, there is one area star Rosemund Pike (Moiaine) feels her show has already done a better job at.
The Wheel of Time star Rosemund Pike calls Game of Thrones out for lack of diversity
In a recent interview with She Knows, Rosemund Pike spoke fondly of Game of Thrones but was frank about where The Wheel of Time had improved on it. “I think we’re a huge admirer of Game of Thrones,” she said. “Game of Thrones crossed over, broke through from the fantasy genre. Got the whole world talking about it. We do have a more exciting and dynamically cast series, I think.”
"In terms of the diversity of our cast. People have been called from literally all over the world. Our casting director has searched the whole globe for these characters, and it shows on screen."
Game of Thrones has been dinged for its lack of diversity over the years, with even cast members like Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei) admitting that the show “could have done better there.” The Wheel of Time, on the other hand, has several actors of color in prominent roles, including Madeleine Madden, Daniel Henney, Zoë Robins and Marcus Rutherford.
New episodes of The Wheel of Time drop on Amazon Prime Video on Fridays.
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