The Wheel of Time has continued to captivate audiences with its third season, exhibiting a remarkable fidelity to Robert Jordan’s celebrated fantasy saga. Episodes 3 and 4 showcase beloved scenes, such as Mat’s impressive sparring bout with the royal family of Andor and Rand’s enlightening exploration of Aiel history in the revered city of Rhuidean. While some adaptations have varied from the source material, the essence of these iconic moments from The Dragon Reborn and The Shadow Rising has been diligently preserved.
A common thread in these pivotal scenes is the direction of Thomas Napper, a seasoned veteran of the series who helmed Season 2’s first two episodes. Napper’s established rapport with actors such as Dónal Finn (Mat) and Josha Stradowski (Rand) played a crucial role in elevating the emotional stakes in these sequences, delivering satisfaction to both die-hard fans and recent viewers alike.
In a recent discussion with ScreenRant, Napper opened up about the extensive effort that went into crafting Rand’s profound experience in Rhuidean and the selection of Marcus Rutherford and Dónal Finn to portray the Aiel in this episode. He also revealed his significant input in casting Dónal Finn as Mat and expressed his aspirations for the actor’s journey ahead.
Thomas Napper’s Insights on The Wheel of Time
His Current Literary Pursuits: “I Desperately Want to See That on Screen”
Image via Prime Video
Interestingly, Napper’s journey through The Wheel of Time books has been more selective than one might expect. He explained, “I choose to stay close to where we are,” emphasizing his commitment to the storyline and themes of the show. However, in preparing for the much-anticipated Season 3, Episode 4, he immersed himself, stating, “I listened to ‘The Road to the Spear’ and ‘The Dedicated’ probably about 30 times.”
His dedication stemmed from a need to fully grasp the complex narrative entwined in the episode. “When Rafe [Judkins] said, ‘We’d like you to do episode four,’ and I got the script, I was like, ‘Oh, gosh. I need to go back and really understand what’s going on here,'” he noted. Though Season 4 has yet to be confirmed, Napper is already delving into Jordan’s subsequent installment, The Fires of Heaven, with enthusiasm for future adaptations.
Josha Stradowski: The Heart of Episode 4
“The Key Element Was Josha”
Napper emphasized the critical role played by Josha Stradowski in Episode 4 as Rand traversed the legacy of his ancestors: “The thing that I felt was most important, fundamentally, to all [of the episode] was Josha.” The director pointed out that although the characters Rand encounters in the flashbacks are distinct, the narrative conceit connects them, allowing Rand to experience their lives and emotions. “To me, that was the touchstone,” he remarked.
Collaborating with Stradowski went beyond mere dialogue; it was about bridging the diverse characters he portrayed. Napper recalled their initial discussions about how to embody this shared history: “‘There’s still going to be some Rand in there, but you are going to get to step through their steps,'” he guided the actor. The physical portrayal of these characters was crucial for striking a seamless connection.
Napper also highlighted the importance of visual storytelling in delivering the transitions. “At the end of the first one, he looks at his hands and he’s got blood on his hands,” he explained. This careful interplay of action and emotion ensured that the viewers were effectively engaged in this intricate narrative.
Napper Discusses Dónal Finn & Marcus Rutherford’s Cameos
“Rafe Was Keen for An Echo”
Image via Prime Video
One intriguing creative decision made in Episode 4 involved the casting of Dónal Finn and Marcus Rutherford, who play Mat and Perrin, respectively, as young Aiel during a flashback. While this could imply a deeper connection between Rand and his companions, Napper clarified the intent behind this choice. “I think that was just a bit of fun, really,” he stated, explaining that it was more about thematic echoes than direct lineage.
Napper elaborated, “Rafe was really keen for there to be an echo, but not to be right on the nose. It’s essential for Rand’s journey not to confuse it with past lives but rather illustrate his direct ancestral pathways. It’s a fascinating, psychedelic exploration of history that enhances the narrative depth.”
Napper’s Role in Casting Dónal Finn as Mat
“That Was One of My Main Challenges”
During the interview, Napper also discussed his significant role in casting Dónal Finn as Mat after the departure of Barney Harris. “To be honest, when he was recast, I was involved in that process,” he shared, revealing that the casting took place during the midst of the pandemic.
He recalled how critical the chemistry between actors was during auditions: “When Dónal came to Prague for the chemistry casting, it became clear he was the right choice.” The director praised Finn’s embodiment of Mat’s multifaceted character: “He’s funny, dynamic, and encapsulates Mat’s essence. I want to go dicing with him!”
When reflecting on Mat’s quarterstaff showdown with Andor’s princes, Napper expressed excitement. “Knowing that scene with Gawyn and Galad is a fan favorite was an honor. It’s thrilling to choreograph Mat defeating them, especially with Nynaeve observing, slightly impressed with his skills,” he remarked.
Napper’s Aspirations for Mat in The Wheel of Time
“I Can’t Wait to Do More with Dónal”
Napper expressed a strong desire to explore more of Dónal Finn’s talents, particularly his musical abilities. “I can’t wait to do more with Dónal,” he remarked, recalling Finn’s prior stage performance. “He needs to sing on the show; he’s incredibly talented,” Napper exclaimed.
Viewers can catch new episodes of The Wheel of Time Season 3 streaming every Thursday on Prime Video.