Fans Launch High-Impact Campaign to Save The Wheel of Time
In a passionate effort to keep the beloved fantasy series alive, dedicated fans of The Wheel of Time have gone beyond online petitions and social media campaigns—they’ve crowdfunded their own billboard in the heart of Times Square, New York City. This bold move aims to draw attention to the show’s uncertain future following its cancellation by Prime Video.
The Series’ Journey and Recent Challenges
The Wheel of Time is an adaptation of Robert Jordan’s acclaimed fantasy book series, with Rosamund Pike leading the cast. The show experienced a rocky start, with fans voicing frustration over significant deviations from the source material during its first two seasons. However, Season 3 seemed to win over many skeptics, boosting hopes for a bright future.
Despite this progress, last month it was announced that Prime Video would not be renewing the series for a fourth season. According to industry insiders, the decision came after lengthy deliberations, with sources revealing that while the show was well-received, it failed to meet the platform’s financial expectations.
Industry and Fan Reactions
Author Brandon Sanderson, who completed the original book series, publicly expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s a shame. I had my issues with the show, but the fanbase deserved better than cancellation after such a strong season. It’s frustrating to see it ignored, especially when they wanted my name for legitimacy but didn’t involve me meaningfully.”
Meanwhile, showrunner Rafe Judkins defended the series’ popularity, citing impressive global viewership numbers. He expressed hope that another network or streaming service might pick up The Wheel of Time, drawing parallels to the cancellation and revival of shows like The Expanse.
Grassroots Efforts to Save the Show
Fan activism has surged, with over 163,000 supporters signing an online petition urging the continuation of The Wheel of Time. The campaign’s organizers emphasize the importance of completing the story as originally envisioned.
In a striking demonstration of commitment, a Brazilian fan group financed a billboard in Times Square, and showrunner Judkins acknowledged their effort on social media. Additionally, one dedicated fan took matters into their own hands, funding a billboard with a simple message: “I could have spent this money on my Amazon subscription, but they canceled my favorite show, so here we are instead. Help save The Wheel of Time.”
Looking Ahead: The Fight Continues
As the fan-driven movement gains momentum, organizers plan to expand their billboard campaign across multiple countries, rallying more support for the cause. A volunteer involved in the effort shared, “Fans are incredibly generous and passionate. Reaching three fundraising goals so quickly shows how much people want to see this story told in full.”
While these grassroots efforts demonstrate widespread enthusiasm, it remains uncertain whether Sony Pictures Television, the main stakeholder, will heed the calls. Some fans hope Apple might pick up the series for Apple TV+, though industry insiders suggest The Wheel of Time isn’t currently being shopped around to other streaming platforms.
Continued Hope and Fan Persistence
Ultimately, fans remain hopeful that their collective voice will influence decision-makers. With the support pouring in from around the world, the fight to bring The Wheel of Time back continues, fueled by passion and a shared love for the story that fans believe deserves to be fully told.
Wesley, Director of News at IGN, can be found on Twitter at @wyp100. Reach him via email at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
