Shohreh Aghdashloo Talks about Her Journey to Joining ‘The Wheel of Time’ Season 3

After three successful seasons, The Wheel of Time is still going strong with its epic fantasy storytelling and a stellar cast. One of the newest additions to the show is Shohreh Aghdashloo, who plays the cunning and power-hungry Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan in Season 3. In an exclusive interview with Collider, Aghdashloo reveals the unexpected path that led her to The Wheel of Time and how it was partially made possible by the passionate fans of another beloved sci-fi series, The Expanse.

The third season of The Wheel of Time has introduced a slew of new villains, including Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan, a member of the Red Ajah and advisor to Queen Morgase Trakand. Aghdashloo’s character seems to be making her own moves within the White Tower, much to the chagrin of Siuan Sanche, played by Sophie Okonedo. As the season unfolds, fans are eager to see how this intriguing dynamic will play out.

But how did Aghdashloo, a renowned actor with a diverse portfolio of roles, come to join the world of The Wheel of Time? The answer, as she tells Collider, is a testament to the power of social media and devoted fans. Aghdashloo explains that she first learned about the show through Twitter, where she saw the buzz surrounding the casting announcement for Season 3. She was immediately drawn to the show’s massive fan base and their unwavering support for the series.

As a fan of fantasy and sci-fi herself, Aghdashloo felt a strong connection to The Wheel of Time and knew she had to be a part of it. She reached out to showrunner Rafe Judkins, expressing her interest in joining the cast. Judkins, who was already familiar with Aghdashloo’s work, was thrilled to have her on board and quickly offered her the role of Elaida. It was a dream come true for Aghdashloo, who enthusiastically accepted the offer.

But Aghdashloo’s journey to The Wheel of Time didn’t end there. She reveals that her initial meeting with the cast and crew was during a virtual table read, due to the ongoing pandemic. It was an unconventional start, but Aghdashloo was immediately struck by the warmth and camaraderie of the cast. She was especially excited to work with Sophie Okonedo, who she describes as a “wonderful scene partner.” Aghdashloo praises Okonedo’s talent and professionalism, making their on-screen clashes all the more thrilling to watch.

In playing Elaida, Aghdashloo wanted to be “honest” in her portrayal of the character. She found herself drawn to Elaida’s flaws, which makes her a complex and compelling antagonist. Aghdashloo also notes that Elaida’s journey is far from over, and she’s excited to see where her character will go in future seasons.

As for The Expanse fans who helped make this casting happen, Aghdashloo expresses her gratitude and admiration for their unwavering support. She believes that their passion and dedication are a testament to the power of fandom and how it can impact the industry.

In the end, Aghdashloo’s journey to joining The Wheel of Time is a fascinating example of how fan enthusiasm can manifest into exciting opportunities in the entertainment industry. With Season 3 now streaming on Prime Video, fans can see Aghdashloo in action as Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan, a formidable foe for our heroes. And if her performance so far is anything to go by, she’s sure to leave a lasting impression on the world of The Wheel of Time.

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