Shohreh Aghdashloo joins the controversial cast of The Wheel of Time

On December 11, 2024, Prime Video announced that the celebrated actress Shohreh Aghdashloo has officially joined the cast of The Wheel of Time for its third season. Aghdashloo, known for her roles in House of Sand and Fog, 24, The Expanse, and Arcane, will portray Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan, a member of the Aes Sedai sisterhood, in the fantasy series based on Robert Jordan's novels. This series follows Rand al’Thor, a farm boy with a destiny to become 'The Dragon Reborn,' a figure with a potentially world-altering role. The storyline intensifies in Season 3 as conflicts rage within the White Tower and threats multiply against the Light, impacting Rand and his relationships with allies Moiraine and Egwene. Elaida, the character Aghdashloo will bring to life, is characterized as ruthlessly powerful and adept in both politics and channeling the One Power. She has a complicated history with key characters Moiraine and Siuan and returns to the White Tower with unresolved tensions and ambitions. The Red Ajah, of which Elaida is a member, is notable for its strong stance against male channelers, adding a layer of tension in the ongoing conflict of the series, pitting the Aes Sedai against the growing threat posed by the Dark One and the Forsaken, including Lanfear, who shares a crucial connection with Rand. In conjunction with the new casting announcement, Prime Video provided hints about the season's plot that suggest significant developments and alliances among the characters, as they grapple with Divisions within the White Tower and mere schemes from the Black Ajah. As Rand’s newfound powers grow corrupt, his closest allies, including Moiraine and Egwene, must navigate their intertwined fates and protect him from the darkness that looms closer to home. With the new season set to premiere on March 13, 2025, excitement is building regarding how Aghdashloo’s multifaceted character will influence the overarching narrative, particularly as the stakes for Rand become increasingly perilous. The show has already garnered a loyal following, and the addition of a well-respected actress like Aghdashloo is expected to elevate the series further, along with its themes of power, allegiance, and the struggles against fate. The teaser trailer for Season 3, released recently, has added to the anticipation, showcasing the compelling dynamics and looming threats the characters must face in this gripping fantasy adaptation.