Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time vividly brings Robert Jordan’s expansive fantasy universe to life with captivating details. Season 2, which has just premiered recently, expands the storyline even further, introducing exciting new characters who embody danger not just through their actions, but also through their striking appearances and elaborate costumes. The visual artistry of this season enhances the narrative, drawing viewers deeper into the intricate world of the series.
During a recent press event, io9 had the opportunity to engage with Wheel of Time costume designer Sharon Gilham and hair and makeup designer Davina Lamont about one particularly striking new antagonist: the High Lady Suroth, portrayed by Karima McAdams. This noblewoman hails from the Seanchan Empire, and her formidable military presence is as menacing as her character. Despite her minimal dialogue, her commanding presence in every scene is captivating, largely due to her elaborate attire, which includes an ornate mask and uniquely long nails that she uses to command her subordinates.
“The nails presented a significant challenge,” explained Lamont when asked about Suroth’s intimidating talons. “I’ve previously worked on productions with long fingernails; however, for Wheel of Time, we had to ensure that they could be easily taken on and off. This was crucial so that Karima could have breaks or return to her trailer. We aimed for a quick and efficient design process since these nails are integral to her character. As the story progresses, you’ll witness some remarkable moments, particularly the scene where she removes her mask, which is quite breathtaking. This was a collaborative effort between Sharon and myself, focusing on her overall look and the essence of the Seanchan.”
Gilham concurred, stating, “In the source material, Suroth’s nails are painted blue. However, for the show, we opted for a more natural nail color because the painted nails sometimes appeared unrealistic. By keeping them in a natural shade, we could create a more believable appearance. The costume design was truly a collaborative process; for instance, the headpiece aimed to evoke an insect-like, mysterious vibe while obscuring her face. During our design sessions, we experienced a ‘wow’ moment when I discovered a piece of metal with punched holes that could serve as a visor. When I suggested wrapping this around the front of the mask, the team was ecstatic. These creative breakthroughs are essential to visually support the powerful narrative of the books and the screenplay, ensuring we consistently deliver those ‘wow’ experiences throughout the series.”
The High Lady Suroth’s ominous presence is complemented by an army that includes formidable female magic users, known as “channelers” within The Wheel of Time universe, who are distinguished by the silver coverings over their mouths. This visual representation is almost as intimidating as Suroth’s long nails, effectively enhancing the overall atmosphere of dread and power associated with her character.
“That’s precisely the intention,” Gilham laughed when discussing the frightening appearance of these characters. “In the Seanchan culture, the highest-ranking individuals refrain from speaking directly. Instead, they have representatives known as ‘voices’ who articulate their commands. The significance of speech and communication is paramount in this realm. The young women who possess the ability to channel and are captured by the Seanchan, referred to as ‘damane’ in The Wheel of Time, are essentially weaponized. The concept of mouth coverings was not present in the books, but I drew inspiration from cultural research that included elements from Mesoamerican and imperial Chinese civilizations. I found references to a pre-Aztec community that employed gold mouth stoppers, which I felt symbolized the voicelessness of the damane, creating a powerful image that resonates strongly. I’m delighted it came together effectively.”
The first three episodes of Wheel of Time Season 2 are now available for streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing every Friday, keeping fans engaged and eager for more adventures in this richly crafted world.
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