The Wheel Of Time: The Rand-Lanfear chemistry is not the same as the books, and this is how the Prime Video show changes it

Amazon Prime Video's The Wheel of Time will finally premiere its Season 3 on March 13, 2025. It is based on the series of fantasy novels written by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. Season 3 will adapt The Shadow Rising, the fourth book in the series.

In addition to many fantastical elements in the show, the most intriguing part is the complicated relationship between Messiah Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski) and a Forsaken Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe).

If you thought Romeo and Juliet had a complicated relationship, Rand and Lanfear can any day give them a run for their money. While Rand is the chosen Messiah who will rid the world of the Dark Lord's evil, Lanfear is a devout member of the Forsaken who worships the Dark Lord.

While the show faithfully adapts the novels, it has made quite some changes to the couple's relationship in The Wheel of Time TV show.

Their relationship is more developed in the TV show, with many fans actually rooting for them. While the attraction is mostly explored through Lanfear in the books, the TV show complicates their equation, with Rand acknowledging their connection.

More on the Rand-Lanfear relationship in The Wheel Of Time TV show in our story.

How is the Rand-Lanfear relationship different in The Wheel of Time TV show than the book series?

While Rand and Lanfear's relationship in the novel series was also complicated because of their history with two opposite sides, their connection is more one-sided in the novel series.

Once in love with Lews Therin, Lanfear is immediately attracted to Rand when he is born as Therin's incarnation. But Rand's rebirth is more complicated than Lews because he is the prophesied hero who will slay Lanfear's dark master and bring order to the world.

Their dynamics, although inspired by The Wheel of Time novel series, are very different in the show because Rand is aware of their connection but cannot admit it openly because of his destiny.

Lanfear is a more complicated and evolved character in the TV show, which complicates her relationship with Rand. The electrifying and passionate chemistry between the characters is more palpable in the show, which has fans even root for their relationship, something which the book fans never did.

Rand-Lanfear's relationship is almost like that of star-crossed lovers. They find themselves on opposite ends of the world, where Lanfear is the evil one. But this does not stop Rand from acknowledging their connection.

What can you expect from Rand-Lanfear's relationship in The Wheel of Time Season 3?

It looks like the makers will continue to make changes in their relationship in The Wheel Of Time Season 3.

In an interview with Screen Rant, showrunner Rafe Judkins talked about how their relationship will be more of a push-and-pull in the new season:

“What’s interesting [is that] when the old tricks of hers stop working, their relationship … starts to be new and exciting to her … when she’s less able to manipulate him that she’s actually more interested in him.”

She added:

“One thing we really try to do in the writers’ room with their relationship is make it feel like, when you’re watching the show, you could actually wonder to yourself, ‘What if they ended up together? It’s something you never get to experience in the books.”

O’Keeffe also spoke about her character, in the interview. She said:

“It’s not to say she doesn’t keep trying in this season, but there’s a lot more pushback from Rand, and the old tricks aren’t working anymore.”

Also Read: The Wheel of Time Season 3: Release date, plot, cast

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