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$360 Million Spent... But Canceled After Three Seasons
Amazon Prime Video has canceled The Wheel of Time after three seasons, despite its high budget and huge popularity.
After three seasons, Amazon Prime Video has put an end to The Wheel of Time. With an estimated total budget of over $360 million, the series ranks among the most expensive fantasy productions ever. Yet, it appears that high costs and a loyal fanbase are not always enough to secure a long-running series.
The Wheel of Time, based on the book series by Robert Jordan, garnered significant attention upon its launch in 2021 as Prime Video's major fantasy offering alongside The Rings of Power. The series received praise for its world-building and visual style, although it faced mixed reviews regarding pacing and character development. Nevertheless, the show eventually became one of the most popular titles available on Prime Video.
The production of the series was nothing short of extravagant. Season 1 was estimated to cost around $140 million, equating to $17.5 million per episode. Costs for season 2 reported a slight decrease, with approximately $124 million for eight episodes, over $15 million each. The third season seemingly cost around $100 million, bringing the total expenditure to more than $360 million. Based solely on production costs, The Wheel of Time thus ranks among the most expensive series ever made.
Amazon invested not just in sets, costumes, and CGI, but also in international marketing campaigns and extensive shooting schedules in locations including the Czech Republic, Morocco, and Italy.
Although the book series consists of fourteen volumes, there will be no adaptation in the near future. Amazon has confirmed that there will be no fourth season, despite earlier reports suggesting that scripts and production plans were already in place. For fans, this meant an abrupt end to an ambitious project that had only just begun to gain momentum.
The Wheel of Time, based on the book series by Robert Jordan, garnered significant attention upon its launch in 2021 as Prime Video's major fantasy offering alongside The Rings of Power. The series received praise for its world-building and visual style, although it faced mixed reviews regarding pacing and character development. Nevertheless, the show eventually became one of the most popular titles available on Prime Video.
An Extremely Expensive Production
The production of the series was nothing short of extravagant. Season 1 was estimated to cost around $140 million, equating to $17.5 million per episode. Costs for season 2 reported a slight decrease, with approximately $124 million for eight episodes, over $15 million each. The third season seemingly cost around $100 million, bringing the total expenditure to more than $360 million. Based solely on production costs, The Wheel of Time thus ranks among the most expensive series ever made.
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Amazon invested not just in sets, costumes, and CGI, but also in international marketing campaigns and extensive shooting schedules in locations including the Czech Republic, Morocco, and Italy.
No Room For A Third Season
Although the book series consists of fourteen volumes, there will be no adaptation in the near future. Amazon has confirmed that there will be no fourth season, despite earlier reports suggesting that scripts and production plans were already in place. For fans, this meant an abrupt end to an ambitious project that had only just begun to gain momentum.
