The Wheel of Time video shows new Aiel in costume and teases major setting

We may not have a release date for season 2 of The Wheel of Time quite yet, but the marketing machine is beginning to ramp up. JordanCon, a convention dedicated to The Wheel of Time and the works of author Robert Jordan, went down last month. The Wheel of Time cast and crew made virtual appearances to hype up what they’re working on. And right now, that means wrapping up post-production on season 2 and filming season 3.

“Hey everybody, for what is now my annual tradition, I’m here to explain why I’m not at JordanCon,” showrunner Rafe Judkins said in a video message. “We are working hard on season 3 of Wheel of Time.”

We’d heard rumblings that season 3 may have quietly started filming, but the confirmation from Judkins that work is under way is welcome. And it’s far from the only exciting thing teased in the presentation, which you can watch in full right here:

JordanCon digital announcement video teases major The Wheel of Time season 2 location

Judkins also teased a major new location for The Wheel of Time seasons 2 and 3. “I’m here on a set that features quite heavily in season 2…we actually did a couple of scenes in this room that were incredibly difficult to film; a lot of resets, blood, visual effects, water, resetting of costume, unsetting of costume, change of costume. It was massive and it all took place in here, you’ll see it in season 2. And it’s a little bit in season 3 as well, so you might be able to tell what it is from what’s behind me.”

You can see the room in question right at the start of the video; it appears to be a sort of cavern, with carved pillars looming in the background. What are we looking at? The Wheel of Time YouTube channel WoT Up! puts forth three theories: it’s either the chamber beneath the White Tower where novice Aes Sedai undergo their testing to be elevated to Accepted status, the mystical Aiel city of Rhuidean, or the Stone of Tear, a chamber at the top of a mighty fortress where a few pivotal scenes take place.

Of those, the Accepted Chamber seems to be the most likely; hopeful Aes Sedai apprentices induce visions there. The visions can get pretty intense, which could account for the filming difficulties Judkins mentioned above, re: changing costumes and visual effects. Rhuidean is an important Aiel location that also involves magic and visions, so it’s not off the table either.

The Wheel of Time season 2 video gives us our first look at new Aiel characters in costume

Speaking of the Aiel, this video confirms the addition of four newly announced cast members: that’s Ragga Ragnars and Maja Simonsen as the Aiel first-sisters Bain and Chiad, Jay Duffy as Whitecloak Dain Bornhald, and Rima te Wiata as the Aes Sedai Mistress of Novices.

Of particular note are the Aiel characters, Bain and Chiad. The video introduces them as well as Ayoola Smart (Aviendha); all three are standing in this mysterious chamber, in full costume.

Judkins also teased one particular storyline he’s looking forward to sharing with fans in season 2. Let’s talk about it, but beware book SPOILERS ahead.

Elaida confirmed to be in future seasons of The Wheel of Time

“One thing that I’m really excited about, but doesn’t seem to be a big focus of people and how they’re talking [the show], is actually the stories in the White Tower, of the novices, the Accepted, how Nynaeve and Egwene function in this world, how they meet Elayne,” Judkins said. “It doesn’t get a lot of conversation but I think it’s actually some of the best stuff in the books. And I think the way that those women have brought those stories to life in the show you’re all really gonna love.”

Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne’s time at the White Tower is a prominent part of The Great Hunt, the book in The Wheel of Time series. It gives a much deeper understanding of the inner workings of the White Tower and the various Aes Sedai factions.

There are plenty of other memorable Aes Sedai characters we’ll get to meet. That includes Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan, a sister of the Red Ajah who will become a major villain in the series. Elaida actually makes her debut in the first Wheel of Time book, but has yet to appear in the show. We don’t know whether she’s going to appear in season 2, but thanks to Judkins, we know she’s on the way at some point.

“Well I mean, one character that I love and am very excited to see come to screen is the character of Elaida,” Judkins said. “She’s incredibly complex in the books. You think, she’s a Darkfriend, she’s not a Darkfriend. And that makes her all the more interesting for the antagonistic role that she plays…I think that she’s a fascinating character and she really shows why all the characters in this world have such depth, and they all have their own drives that end up driving the plot in the story.”

The Wheel of Time season 2 is slated to premiere sometime this year on Prime Video.

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