Earlier this year, we reported on an animated Wheel of Time film being written by Thor and X-Men: First Class scribe Zack Stentz, and today, we have news on who will be directing.
Jay Oliva, a storyboard artist who frequently collaborated with Zack Snyder and who previously worked on The Dark Knight Returns (Part 1 and Part 2), Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, Justice League: War, and several other DCAU direct-to-video titles will be helming the animated Wheel of Time movie.
In a press statement, Oliva wrote, "I am so excited to be joining this amazing creative team. Reading Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time inspired me to become a filmmaker, and having an opportunity to explore the world he created has been a lifelong dream of mine."
Oliva added, "The rich history of The White Tower has intrigued me, and the expansive backstory of the books gives the creative team the freedom to tell a fresh and imaginative story within the familiar world that was so meticulously crafted by Jordan in The Wheel of Time."
An early description of the film reads, "a young girl with a special gift whose life is forever changed when evil visits her remote mountain village. Finding herself alone in a dangerous world, she must go to The White Tower to learn how to use her magical powers in order to save her family and friends. Rebellious and mistrusting, she learns that there is something in this world that is as powerful a weapon in the fight against evil as any form of magic."
The movie is confirmed to be set before the events of Emond's Field's infamous Bel Tine festival celebration that kicked off the ta'veren adventures of Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara. The project is being billed as a prequel and the description sounds as if it could be an origin story for Moraine Sedai or the Amirlyn Seat, Siuan Sanche.
It's also possible that the prequel could be a fully original concept but that seems unlikely given the fantasy saga's rich cast of characters and penchant for weaving seemingly separate storylines into one cohesive narrative.
The project is being developed as a feature-length animated picture by iwot productions in partnership with Quebec's Squeeze Studios. There's no word yet on whether the film will be released on Amazon, in theaters, or some combination of both.
Stay tuned to Toonado for future updates on this project. Deadline is reporting that work is expected to commence in early-2024.