Exclusive interview with Amazon’s The Wheel of Time actress Ceara Coveney.
As the highly anticipated second season of Amazon's The Wheel of Time continues to enthral those who enjoy the high fantasy genre, the new series, based on the best-selling books by late American author Robert Jordan, introduces new characters into its complex but highly entertaining world.
Known for its stunning visuals and compelling action scenes, The Wheel of Time tells the story of a distant land, simultaneously in past and future Earth, due to the cyclical nature the wheel lends to time. Exploring themes of reincarnation with elements based on Asian and European mythology, The Wheel of Time follows the many characters and societies who inhabit this world where chosen humans, known as channelers or Aes Sedai "Servants of All", can utilise the wheel's power in the battle against evil. In a world where only women can access the wheel's magical powers, there is a shift in political, social, and familial dynamics with many powerful female characters, such as Oscar Nominee Rosamund Pike, leading the crusade for good.
Season two introduces another strong female, Elayne Trakand, daughter of Queen Morgase and heir to the Andor throne. As 'Queen in Training’, she is powerful, elegant, and intelligent, a woman of integrity. As the show progresses, Elayne encounters a different aspect of her world. Stripped of her noble comforts and treated as a novice Aes Sedai, she develops new friendships, demonstrating her dutiful and loyal sensibilities and the strength and fearlessness that have made her a hugely popular character with book series fans.
As Elayne is set to be a long-standing cast member, her character requires a combination of graciousness and power, and actress Ceara Coveney knows precisely how to bring these characteristics to the screen. Relatively early in her career, Ceara has utilised her experience in recent productions such as The Young Wallander to deftly introduce Elayne in
what promises to be a continuously outstanding performance. From her first moments on the screen, Ceara lends Elayne a warmth and serenity that will no doubt serve her character well in the challenging times to come. 5Eleven spoke to Ceara about landing the role, what she hopes to bring to her interpretation, the camaraderie on set and the talented team that renders The Wheel of Time such a compelling production.
This interview was secured before the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Ceara was photographed by Conor Clarke. Styled by Crystalle Cox.
Makeup by Justine Jenkins. Hair by Paul Percival at Frank Agency.
Photographer Assistant, Andrew Rankin. Stylist Assistant by Amrit Mann.
Shot at Drop Studios, London.
Congratulations on The Wheel of Time! What first drew you to the project?
In all honesty, when I was auditioning for the role, I had no idea what the project was. It was all code words and fake names. I just could tell it was a fantasy series. I have always wanted to be part of a fantasy project, so I was excited to audition because of that.
Were you familiar with the books prior to joining the cast? How did the source material inform your performance as Elayne?
I actually wasn't at all! I had no idea what a popular book series it was. I have a couple of family members who read the books growing up and were over the moon to find out I'd been cast as Elayne. I've loved reading the books alongside the scripts. Robert Jordan's work is so rich with description and detail; it's such a gift as an actor and invaluable in helping me flesh out Elayne's character. Whether it's an amazing metaphor that perfectly encapsulates a scene or a piece of internal dialogue that gives me insight into how she may feel about a situation, it allows me to find so much depth.
Your character is a fan-favourite from the book series - how did you prepare to bring her to life on-screen?
Playing a fan favourite character can be quite a daunting thing as you feel a huge pressure to do the character justice. I read as much about her as I could, and once I'd gathered all that information, I just had to trust my instincts. As I mentioned, when I auditioned for the role, I had no access to the source material or episode scripts. I had to completely go off my instinct based on the few scenes I had. I got the part, so I must have been doing something right. I just had to trust that.
Lately, TV has transported audiences to many unique fantasy realms in shows like Shadow & Bone, The Witcher, and House of the Dragon. What unique aspect of the Wheel of Time universe and lore is your favourite, and why?
I love how vast and diverse The Wheel of Time world is. There are so many different cultures and societies and such a vast number of characters, each playing an important role in the story. The Wheel of Time has a strong emphasis on prophecy. I love the idea that all the characters are connected by this complex web of fate and destiny. Even in their separate corners of the world, where we find them in Season 2, their actions have a significant impact on each other and the world around them. I love it because it's something that fascinates me in real life as well - does everything happen for a reason?
What aspects of Elayne's character do you identify with the most?
I really connected with her sense of loyalty. Elayne would do anything for her friends, and she would use all of her considerable power to protect them. I also really identify with the peacemaker in her. I'm always in the middle of friends trying to resolve situations and offering advice from an objective point of view. I find Elayne does that a lot, too.
High fantasy can be a daunting genre for new fans to get into. What three things might you want potential new fans to know about the show?
High fantasy can be daunting, but it can also offer the viewer escapism; it's so different to our everyday and easy to get lost in! In saying that, the second thing I'd want potential new fans to know is that beneath the magic system and fantasy jargon is something very human. All the characters are driven by emotions that we can all relate to and understand. Lastly, in particular, with The Wheel of Time, there are so many incredible characters that you will likely find someone you really connect with. Maybe they're very like yourself. Give it a go and see!
The Wheel of Time universe has a famously large number of characters, with the books featuring a total of 2787 distinct named characters. The TV adaptation has yet to reach that, but how did you find working as part of such a large (and amazing!) ensemble cast?
I feel so lucky that I have met and get to work with the most incredible actors. I've learnt so much on this job just by observing the people around me and how they navigate being on set. Even with such a large ensemble cast, we're still all so close. I know everyone says it, but we really are like a big family.
You've tackled fantasy - what genre would you like to try next?
I'd love to be in a period drama. I love it when the character's world is completely different to my own, and I can really sink my teeth into research, similar to fantasy. I'd also really love to do a comedy at some point down the line.
Are there any projects in the pipeline you can share with 5ELEVEN?
I'm involved in Luna Carmoon's debut feature film, Hoard. It's an incredible and brave debut that I'm so proud to be a part of. It's feral yet tender. I think audiences will be equally disgusted and moved by it when it premieres later this year.
Reaching such heights early in an actress's career may be daunting for some. Still, Ceara clearly recognises the enormity of this opportunity to be part of such a fascinating and popular series and her well-deserved place within The Wheel of Time. There is a humble yet resolute sensibility about this young actress, which somewhat mirrors her character and demonstrates why producers found her the most fitting artist to portray Andor's heir. Just as Elayne has much enrichment to add as ‘Queen in Waiting’, so, it seems, does Ceara in this new and fascinating world she is set to become such an integral part of.
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