Prime Video has announced that acclaimed actress Shohreh Aghdashloo will join the cast of "The Wheel of Time" for its third season, set to premiere in March 2025. The Emmy-winning performer will take on the role of Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan, a powerful Aes Sedai with complex ties to the show's main characters.
Elaida is described as a ruthless member of the Red Ajah who excels both in channeling magical powers and political maneuvering. The character has unresolved conflicts with Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and Siuan (Sophie Okonedo) that will come to light when she returns to the White Tower. According to the official character description, Elaida believes the ends justify the means and will stop at nothing to achieve what she considers the greater good.
Aghdashloo brings considerable acting prowess to the role, having won an Emmy Award for HBO's "House of Saddam" and received an Oscar nomination for "House of Sand and Fog." Her recent work includes appearances in "The Penguin," "The Flight Attendant," and "The Expanse."
The casting announcement comes alongside the release of a teaser for the upcoming season, which hints at dire predictions for the future. The preview shows Moiraine warning of multiple possible futures where either she or Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski), the prophesied Dragon Reborn, will survive - but not both.
Season 3 of "The Wheel of Time" will adapt material from Robert Jordan's fourth book, "The Shadow Rising," while incorporating elements from the fifth book, "The Fires of Heaven." The series continues to be produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, with Rafe Judkins serving as showrunner.