Australian actress Madeleine Madden on being outspoken, loving fantasy and leading one of TV’s biggest shows.

The Wheel of Time has returned to Prime Video for its highly anticipated third season, continuing the epic fantasy tale that has captivated viewers since its 2021 debut.

The series is based on Robert Jordan's beloved 14-book series and weaves a rich tapestry of magic, prophecy and destiny in a world where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

If you're unfamiliar with the premise, imagine a world where magic (called the One Power) exists, but only certain women can wield it safely. The storyline follows Moiraine, played by the eternally elegant Rosamund Pike, who belongs to a powerful all-female organisation of magic users called the Aes Sedai.

She discovers five young villagers, one of whom is destined to be the prophesied Dragon Reborn — either humanity's saviour or destroyer. No pressure, right? The gorgeous ensemble cast includes Daniel Henney as the stoic Lan (collective swoon), Madeleine Madden as Egwene, and Josha Stradowski as Rand.

Watch the trailer for The Wheel of Time season 3. Article continues after video. 

Interestingly, while the first two seasons adapted the first and second books respectively, season three takes a bold approach by skipping to 'The Shadow Rising' (the fourth book), with plans to revisit elements of 'The Dragon Reborn' later.

So what can we expect from season three? We sat down with Aussie actress Madeleine Madden, who plays the passionate and determined Egwene in The Wheel of Time.

Speaking to Mamamia about her journey in season three, Madeleine revealed that we see Egwene reunited with her companions after her harrowing experience with the Seanchan. Having endured captivity and trauma, her path forward this season is defined by healing and self-discovery.

"When we find Egwene at the end of season two, she has just freed herself from her captor and is reconciled with the rest of the group. But so much time has passed, and they've all experienced so many things on their own… where do you even begin to start to share?" Madeleine told Mamamia.

The Wheel of Time is back with a third season. Image: Prime Video. 

"For Egwene, she's grappling with her trauma and her time in the kennels and that's continually haunting her. This season was really about seeing Egwene try to heal and evolve, and put the pieces of herself back together again."

When asked about how portraying Egwene has influenced her personally, and how her own experiences have shaped her portrayal, Madeleine reflected on their mutual growth.

"I think I've always been taught to be outspoken and speak my mind and that you don't have to make yourself smaller for anyone. I certainly feel that Egwene does that as well. She's got such an unwavering moral compass," Madeleine said.

"It actually inspires me to be better and to do better. She's someone that I've really loved growing with, and I draw a lot of my own personal experience and put it into her. I influence her a lot, and she influences me a lot."

The Wheel of Time stands out in the fantasy genre for placing women in positions of significant power. Image: Prime Video

The Wheel of Time stands out in the fantasy genre for placing women in positions of significant power. The Aes Sedai organisation, comprised exclusively of women who can channel the One Power, represents one of the most influential political forces in the series' world.

Discussing the 'strong' female characters in The Wheel of Time, Madeline emphasised the importance of authenticity when it comes to portraying women on the screen.

"Women are at the forefront of this series, and it's important that we show complex, real female representation. We have a lot of women who feel fierce and strong, but those moments don't feel as good if we don't see women also feeling vulnerable or scared or ashamed," she said.

"Those are very real and powerful emotions as well. That's what makes these characters resonate with people so much. They're also wildly different, and that is also because our casting net has been cast so wide across the world that we're getting major influence from everyone's upbringings and backgrounds."

The Wheel of Time marks a significant shift in fantasy adaptation through its commitment to diversity. While Robert Jordan's original books featured varied cultures, Prime has made inclusivity central to the story — a notable departure from fantasy's historically white-dominated screen presence.

The series marks a significant shift in fantasy adaptation through its commitment to diversity. Image: Prime Video.

"I think that's what makes this series stand out, but it was also like that in the books as well. I think when Robert Jordan wrote these books in the 80s and 90s, it was definitely ahead of its time for its incorporation of so many cultures and an appreciation for those cultures as well," Madeleine said of the original book series.

"I feel what we're doing is special because people are seeing themselves in spaces that maybe they wouldn't historically. I certainly know that's why this story has meant so much to me, and I'm a huge lover of the genre as well." 

Looking ahead to future seasons, Madeleine shared her aspirations for Egwene's character arc and what she hopes to see for a character she loves "so deeply".

"I would love to see the point when she is fully fulfilling what she's always wanted to be. I would love to see her bring all of her experience, all of her skill set that she's learnt and gathered over the years, and bring it together, and just be the person that she's always wanted to become. I love this character so much, and I care so deeply for her, and I just want things to be right in her world," Madeline said.

Feature Image: Prime Video.