The Wheel of Time Cancellation Ends Hollywood’s Post-Game of Thrones Fantasy Boom

The decision by Amazon to cancel “The Wheel of Time” may have far-reaching effects for Hollywood, possibly marking the end of an upsurge in epic fantasy shows that sprang from the success of “Game of Thrones.” Despite the controversial ending of “Game of Thrones,” it remains one of the best and most impactful TV series ever produced. In the wake of its conclusion, numerous television studios and streaming platforms have endeavored to cash in on its popularity by producing a suitable successor, particularly as other adaptations of extensive fantasy book series were being developed.

Robert Jordan’s “The Wheel of Time” books were a strong contender to captivate viewers in a way similar to “Game of Thrones”. They abound with political machinations, brimming with complex characters, and subtly differ in mood to present a unique perspective. However, after three seasons, Amazon decided to discontinue the show, bringing an end to a project that had been in development for nearly a decade since Rafe Judkins was first announced as the showrunner back in 2017. The cancellation has stirred disappointment among fans who’d grown fond of the series, but it also carries implications for other shows with similar themes.

Hollywood’s Fantasy TV Boom Might Be Over

Streaming Studios Won’t Provide Fantasy Shows The Budgets They Did Five Years Ago

In essence, I previously mentioned that “The Wheel of Time” had the potential to create a production as captivating as “Game of Thrones,” given the books’ promise of riveting drama comparable to HBO. If such a project fails to thrive, Hollywood might face greater challenges in approving other productions of comparable magnitude. The future of series like “The Rings of Power” and “The Witcher” is now more uncertain than ever, and it doesn’t even touch upon the numerous fantasy book series that have been stalled in Hollywood for years due to development issues.

Capitalizing on the surge of interest in fantastical stories that began with Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films in the 2000s, numerous attempts were made to adapt popular works such as Eragon, The Golden Compass, and The Chronicles of Narnia. However, these adaptations, to varying extents, failed to meet expectations, leading to a lull in fantasy adaptations until the emergence of Game of Thrones, which rekindled the popularity of this genre in another medium.

In essence, it can be quite tricky to transform fantasy into reality on screen. Developing intricate, captivating worlds that merit their grandeur calls for substantial resources, which studios may hesitate to invest in an unproven intellectual property (IP). Even when the IP is well-known, like House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power, they show that lavish budgets don’t always result in success. The financial risk is significant, particularly when adapting a TV series from a fifteen-book series such as The Wheel of Time.

Most Fantasy Projects In Development Will Likely Be Shelved

Epic Fantasy Titles Stuck In Development Lulls Probably Aren’t Happening Anytime Soon

For a while now, after the peak of “Game of Thrones,” there have been numerous cherished fantasy novels that have had movies or TV series in production stages announced. However, time passes, and we hear nothing further about them. For instance, Joe Abercrombie’s “The First Law” universe was set to be adapted with Rebecca Ferguson involved. Similarly, Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” had renowned actors trying on costumes before it got canceled. Titles like “Malazan” and “Earthsea” were initially announced, but since then, all we’ve heard is the sound of silence.

The forthcoming years may not be conducive to the successful adaptation of epic fantasy novels into streaming content, as the recent industry decisions to invest heavily in this area, coupled with the cancellation of shows like “The Wheel of Time,” have left Hollywood studios rethinking their strategies. It might take a new production, possessing the same impactful allure as “Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones,” for them to reconsider this market. If such a show emerges, it would be beneficial if the industry could examine “The Wheel of Time” and identify where things went awry.

Could Any Fantasy TV Shows Still Get Made?

Fantasy Titles With A Different Approach To The Genre May Have Better Luck

Although novels such as “Malazan“, “The Stormlight Archive“, and “The Kingkiller Chronicle” might seem difficult to start reading at the moment, fantasy encompasses a wide range of styles. The upcoming Netflix production of Greta Gerwig’s “Chronicles of Narnia” movies will likely present a significantly different mood compared to the darker adaptations that emerged post-“Game of Thrones”. Even works like “Fourth Wing“, which cater to a distinct audience, could potentially make it onto our screens. Adaptations from video games like “God of War” could also thrive in this landscape.

Modern literature has shown that the fantasy genre can captivate a far wider range of readers than what was previously thought based on the derivative style of fantasy popular in the late 20th century, such as that seen in “Lord of the Rings.” Series like “The Wheel of Time” and “A Song of Ice & Fire” are among the highest-selling book series ever, but titles such as “Fourth Wing” have tapped into a different segment of readers. Similarly, “God of War” may share a more similar audience with “The Last of Us” compared to “The Wheel of Time.” It’s worth exploring other potential markets as well.

There Are Valuable Lessons To Take From The Wheel Of Time’s Failures

Epic Fantasy Can’t Be Rushed

In terms of epic fantasy literature, “The Wheel of Time” can serve as a guide on what not to do within this genre. I want to make it clear that my comments are more about the production process rather than the quality of the show itself, which I found season 3 to be quite enjoyable. However, by the time positive reviews began rolling in, a substantial and crucial audience had already stopped watching. The viewership numbers dropped significantly from when the first season premiered to the airing of the season 3 finale on Prime Video.

In order to dedicate resources effectively to a series such as “The Wheel of Time”, it’s crucial to meticulously plan and execute every stage from the outset. This involves investing time and attention in each detail, ensuring that there is a cohesive strategy for the entire series and all components are set up for sustained storytelling over multiple seasons. Brandon Sanderson, author of the final books in the “Wheel of Time” series, has discussed on his “Intentionally Blank” podcast how he often disagreed with TV writers because they would begin production without a complete script for each season before filming.

From the onset, it was clear that while the book series could serve as a foundation, the project demanded more attention and care from the outset for long-term success. Each season showed steady improvement, hinting at a continuous upward trend. However, taking on and investing in such a grand production requires expertise right from the start, much like how Peter Jackson spent years in pre-production before filming his The Lord of the Rings movies to build Middle-earth. Every fantasy universe, including The Wheel of Time, needs that level of dedication and care.

2025-06-01 22:28