We’ve reached the third season of The Wheel Of Time, and as Madeleine Madden tells us herself, she’s played the character, Egwene al’Vere for “most of my adult life”.
But despite the familiarity, it’s always somewhat nerve-wracking to return for a new season. Not only does the show have an established fanbase, but viewers’ expectations often get higher as the series progresses.
“I think I’ve certainly felt pressure at the start of this season after season two,” Madden tells Missing Perspectives over Zoom.
Of course, fans have come to love Egwene in the show based on the best-selling Robert Jordan fantasy series of the same name. For those playing catch-up, the show begins with a humble farm boy, Rand al’Thor, who learns he is The Dragon Reborn – a dangerous figure from history destined to save the word… or break it. In Season 3, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognisable to his closest allies, Moraine and Egwene (played by Madden).
The end of last season marked some major moments for Egwene. Madden says she was faced with the challenge of maintaining elements of her character that fans grew to love in Season 2, while still progressing Egwene’s journey in Season 3.
“That was such a major moment for my character being made a damane and then freeing herself in that epic showdown with Renna. I definitely felt a bit of pressure to still pay tribute to that experience,” she says. “But also, how do I move Egwene forward, and how does she start her journey on the path of healing?
“So I did feel quite a lot of pressure this season, because it’s an Egwene that we’ve never seen before.”
From Tomorrow When The War Began in 2016, to Picnic at Hanging Rock in 2018, Madden’s on-screen career has been diverse. But it’s her The Wheel Of Time gig, which she landed in 2019, that has proven to be her longest role so far.
“I’ve spent most of my adult life playing Egwene. It’s been five, [and] it’ll be six years this year, which is crazy,” she says.
The actor can resonate with many of Egwene’s characteristics, which makes the experience of playing her all the more special.
“It’s been pretty remarkable how similar some of our experiences have been,” she shares. “I’ve definitely learned to be disciplined from her and to keep moving forward in life no matter what you’ve been through. That’s something that has really helped shape me as a person.
“But also, I think Egwene is like a true novice of the world,” she adds, “and it’s been really wonderful to see the world through her eyes.”
Not only does The Wheel Of Time have an incredibly powerful female cast, but a diverse one too. It’s rather refreshing to see in a fantasy, especially given the genre’s slower progress when it comes to diverse representation.
Madden gives a nod to the casting team for doing “a brilliant job at just finding incredible actors from all over the world that bring such a unique magic to the screen and to their characters”.
She also emphasises that the best diversity is often when it’s not depicted as the biggest deal on screen.
“It shouldn’t have to matter, right? It should just be a reflection of the world and the time that we’re living in,” she reflects. “And I think what I love about The Wheel of Time is whatever you look like, however old you are, whatever your identity is, it’s not like a big deal. People just exist because that’s who they are – and it’s fine, it’s normal, and it’s not a big deal.
“It’s lovely to step onto a set and to be surrounded by so many incredible artists from all walks of life, and know that we’re making something that resonates with audiences and is a true representation of what our world looks like.”
Ultimately, Madden hopes that in garnering great fan reactions from Season 3, this won’t be the end of The Wheel Of Time.
“I hope audiences want to see more, honestly. You know, I really believe in what we’re doing, and I believe in this story and these characters,” she says.
“I love these characters, and I do feel like we’re only just getting started. I would love for audiences to want to see more, and to want to see where our characters end up.”
We’re keeping our fingers crossed!
The Wheel Of Time Season 3 is out on Prime Video on March 13. Watch the trailer below.
