‘The Wheel of Time’ Star and EP Rosamund Pike is “Very Proud” That So Many Women Can See Themselves in the Aes Sedai: “Power is Everywhere” 

The release of The Wheel of Time Season 3 on Prime Video is set for Thursday, March 13, 2025. Despite the wait, Amazon treated fans to a thrilling sneak peek last week by unveiling the eleven-minute cold open of the upcoming season. The preview introduces us to the intense confrontation between Red Sister Liandrin and the Amyrlin Seat, as Liandrin faces consequences for her past actions as a Darkfriend. These actions include the heinous offense of selling Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne as slaves to the Seanchan invaders, leading to a chaotic battle within the White Tower.

Liandrin’s exposure as a member of the Black Ajah prompts her to seek help from her fellow sisters in the room, only to discover that the Black Ajah has infiltrated all Ajahs. This revelation sparks a fierce battle where women of various backgrounds unleash their powers against each other. The scene captivates viewers with its intense and enthralling portrayal of the Aes Sedai engaging in a brutal conflict.

This gripping sequence resonates with Wheel of Time enthusiasts as it offers a glimpse into the upcoming dramatic events within the White Tower in Season 3. Moreover, it showcases the Aes Sedai in their formidable essence, presenting a refreshing departure from the typical medieval battles dominated by male warriors. Instead, the scene features a diverse group of powerful women engaged in a visceral struggle, offering representation and empowerment to viewers who can see themselves reflected in these characters.

The Black Ajah fighting in the White Tower in 'The Wheel of Time' Season 3
Photo: Prime Video

“I mean, it’s something I’m very proud of in the show,” Wheel of Time star and executive producer Rosamund Pike said. “Robert Jordan wrote this fantasy series that people, namely women, who had never previously been able to read themselves into fantasy so easily, suddenly had role models everywhere in this series.”

Of course, women exist all over the fantasy genre. What Pike is referring to is the fact that The Wheel of Time features many, many matriarchal societies, from Andor to the Aes Sedai, where traditional gender roles are reversed. After all, the whole plot of The Wheel of Time centers on the fact that the most powerful channeler of all time has been reborn in the body of a man, Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), who is just as likely to save the world from evil as he is to succumb to darkness and insanity because his gender is afflicted by the “taint.”

“I mean, [Jordan] wrote a very, very modern tale, which we know,” Pike said. “But I think the way the show’s been cast and what we’ve looked for in the diversity and even, you know, on all fronts — whether it’s in terms of ability or neurodiversity or race — we’ve really wanted to be inclusive in the Aes Sedai because power is everywhere.”

“I think that’s the message we want to set forth. That power is — beauty, yes — but also power is another thing that isn’t governed by one particular look.”

Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okonedo) blasting a weave of light in battle 'The Wheel of Time' Season 3
Photo: Prime Video

Because Robert Jordan described all of the Aes Sedai as having an “ageless” look, that made them look forever beautiful, wise, or even glowing, some readers took umbrage with how Prime Video’s Wheel of Time interpreted this. Showrunner Rafe Judkins went out of his way to cast actresses of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities to play the Aes Sedai. Pike affirmed that she was all about this approach.

“I know what Robert Jordan describes as an ‘ageless-ness’ in an Aes Sedai face,” Pike said. “I mean, that’s always problematic when casting a show because in order to convey the depth of experience of these women, you can’t have an entire cast of twenty-something women playing the Aes Sedai. It it doesn’t work.”

“So we have to interpret ‘ageless’ as something to do with spirit, I think. Not to do with conventions of appearance.

No one who watches the eleven-minute Wheel of Time Season 3 sneak peek of the Aes Sedai battling it out in the White Tower could possibly deny each and every woman’s indomitable and ageless spirit.

The Wheel of Time Season 3 premieres on March 13.

(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&appId=823934954307605&version=v2.8”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));

You May Also Like
Anti-Israel mob descends on Brooklyn College in NYC as agitators brawl with police, get tased

Protestors clash with police at Brooklyn College in NYC, resulting in tasing

A New York City university descended into chaos on Thursday night when…
Shock reason top country star SNUBBED ACMs despite seven nominations

Surprising Reason Why Famous Country Singer Skipped ACM Awards Despite Being Nominated Seven Times

The country music world gathered in Texas to celebrate at the Academy…
Trump and Kemp Strategize for Georgia Senate Race—Here’s What’s at Stake in 2026

Trump and Kemp Plan for Georgia Senate Race – Understanding the Importance of the 2026 Election

The upcoming 2026 midterm elections may seem far away, but the competition…
Netanyahu Says 'Israel Will Defend Itself by Itself' After Trump Announcement of Ceasefire With Houthis

Israel Will Protect Itself Independently After Trump Declares Ceasefire With Houthis

Former President Joe Biden had a history of not supporting Israeli Prime…
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks on decision to run for US Senate to replace Senator Dick Durbin: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

“Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Discusses US Senate Run to Succeed Senator Dick Durbin in ABC7 Exclusive Interview”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) — Illinois U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi recently spoke exclusively…
Houthis shoot down 3rd US reaper drone as Trump administration continues daily airstrikes

Trump stops military attacks on Houthis, yet expert cautions that the Iran-affiliated militant group still poses a significant danger.

President Donald Trump surprised many this week by declaring that the United…
Pope Leo XIV 'looked the other way' when confronted with child sex abuse allegations against priest in his Chicago church

Pope Leo XIV ignored child abuse claims against priest in Chicago church

The newly-elected Pope Leo XIV is facing accusations of ‘looking the other…
Pope Leo XIV Chicago: Father William Lego of St. Turibius shares memories of his former classmate Cardinal Robert Prevost

“Pope Leo XIV Chicago: A Reflection on the Life of Cardinal Robert Prevost by Father William Lego of St. Turibius”

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Southwest Side priest is sharing fond memories of…
Chicago chef Felix Zepeda of Rosca collaborates with Pilsen panadería to sell bagels with Mexican twist; for sell at

Chef Felix Zepeda from Rosca in Chicago partners with a bakery in Pilsen to offer Mexican-inspired bagels for sale.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Like Chicago, Rosca is a melting pot of flavors…
Crisis for Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas? Friends say Hollywood's worst-kept secret has created intimate impasse in love affair

Trouble in Paradise for Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas? Friends reveal that the rumored romantic relationship is facing a major obstacle.

Tom Cruise, Hollywood’s renowned actor at 62, has recently been romantically linked…
Cardinal Robert Prevost announced as first American pope, taking name Leo XIV

“American Cardinal Robert Prevost Makes History as Pope Leo XIV”

<!–> White smoke signals new pope has been chosen ‘Outnumbered’ panelists react…
What Time Is ‘9-1-1’ On Tonight? How To Watch ‘9-1-1’ Season 8, Episode 17 Live On ABC And Online

When does ‘9-1-1’ air tonight and how can you watch season 8, episode 17 live on ABC and online?

It’s only been a week since Bobby Nash’s funeral, but judging from…