"Don't know anything more": Fantasy novelist Brandon Sanderson opens up about The Wheel of Time and its cancellation post-Season 3

The Wheel of Time has reached its final chapter on screen with Amazon Prime's decision to halt the fantasy series after Season 3. While fans were still digesting the news, author Brandon Sanderson, who completed the original book series after Robert Jordan's passing, finally spoke up. He said,

"Don't know anything more than what is public."

His remark not only reveals how out of the loop he was but also hints at a larger disconnect between creators and those adapting their work.

So, what really happened behind the scenes?

Sanderson kept at a distance: “They wanted my name on it”

Although Brandon Sanderson's name was tied to The Wheel of Time series, it turns out his actual influence was minimal.

In the comment section of one of his YouTube videos, Sanderson admitted;

"I wasn't really involved. Don't know anything more than what is public. They told me they were renegotiating, and thought it would work out. Then I heard nothing for 2 months. Then learned this from the news like everyone else."

That revelation hit hard for readers who assumed he had some say in how the adaptation played out. While Sanderson may have previously critically shared his thoughts about The Wheel of Time as a show before, he never once out rightly dismissed it. Instead, he voiced both concern and hope. Reflecting on the show's progress, he added:

"I do think it's a shame, as while I had my problems with the show, it had a fanbase who deserved better than a cancelation after the best season."

Even though he recognized flaws in the adaptation, Sanderson didn't ignore its growing audience.

He went on to say;

"I won't miss being largely ignored; they wanted my name on it for legitimacy, but not to involve me in any meaningful way."

The Wheel of Time cut short with no rescue plan in sight

Season 3 of The Wheel of Time marked a turning point for the show. Regardless of rough patches in earlier seasons and episodes, the latest season saw noticeable improvements, and this was something that both critics and longtime fans noticed and acknowledged.

Unfortunately, just as momentum was building, the rug was pulled. Deadline reports suggest Amazon's decision followed "lengthy deliberations," with finances possibly playing the biggest role.

And it doesn't stop there. According to sources, the series isn't even being considered for pickup by other streamers.

That means this might really be the end. Fans haven't taken the news lightly. Over 136,000 signatures have been collected on a petition asking for the story to be completed.

Sanderson, for his part, understands their frustration. But his comments hint that the challenges go deeper than canceled scripts. He's been vocal about how tough epic fantasy can be in Hollywood. Years ago, according to ScreenRant, he said,

"Hollywood doesn't know what to do with people who don't need their money..."

And this is just where he highlighted the power imbalance between studios and authors. The Wheel of Time's fate might just prove his point.

The Wheel of Time came close to building something lasting, but ended just as it found its stride. Brandon Sanderson's candid remarks confirm the creative disconnect that haunted the show's production.

And with no signs of revival, fans are left wondering what could've been.

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