Remake of Prime Video’s Cancelled Show That Could Last 10 Seasons Has 1 Big Change More Fantasy Adaptations Need

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A new version of the fantasy series previously cancelled by Prime Video could potentially run for over ten seasons, and it’s taking an approach that other adaptations should consider. The Wheel of Time is being rebooted, if plans for a new series from iwot Studios and Arcane producer Thomas Vu are approved by studios or streaming services. After Prime Video’s version was cancelled, many fans are hoping for a fresh adaptation of Robert Jordan’s books that improves upon the first attempt.

To avoid repeating the errors made by Amazon’s previous attempt, the new adaptation is focusing on staying true to the original book series and has even included Brandon Sanderson, the author who completed Robert Jordan’s epic story. A key difference from the earlier show should also help ensure success. This approach – prioritizing faithfulness to the source material – is something other fantasy adaptations should consider, particularly since so many shows following the end of Game of Thrones have been inconsistent in quality.

The Wheel of Time’s Upcoming Remake Will be Animated

According to Variety, iwot Studios and Vu are planning animated TV series and films based on The Wheel of Time. This is a significant departure from Amazon’s live-action adaptation. However, it could be a smart move, given the source material’s scope—Jordan’s fantasy series consists of over 10 books (14 in the main story, plus a prequel). Animation would allow a new show to continue for a longer period without concerns about actors aging, and it would reduce the need to rush or cut important plot points. It would also offer more creative freedom with a potentially lower budget, making it easier to bring the story’s fantastical elements to life.

Why More Fantasy Adaptations Should Embrace Animated Formats

There are good reasons why The Wheel of Time might have been better suited as an animated series, and it highlights a potential benefit for many fantasy adaptations. Fantasy stories often feature incredible magic, creatures, and worlds, which can be very expensive and challenging – or even impossible – to bring to life with live-action filming. Animation offers a simpler way to achieve these effects with fewer restrictions. Shows like The Legend of Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Arcane demonstrate that animation can deliver stories with the same grand scale and emotional depth, and haven’t suffered from being animated at all.

Many shows are still trying to bring fantasy stories to life with actors and sets, but some would actually work better as animated series. The upcoming Stormlight Archive show from Apple is a good example, and it’s not the only one that could be expanded and improved with animation. Hopefully, Hollywood will recognize the potential of animated fantasy adaptations and start making more of them. A well-received Wheel of Time series could really help prove that this is a worthwhile direction.

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2026-05-20 01:40