One of the key roles still to be cast in Wheel of Time has finally been announced. Wheel of Time Season 2 casts Ayoola Smart as Aviendha! For fans of the books, I am sure I need give no introduction as to who Aviendha is and that she becomes one of the main characters in the story going forward. For those sticking with just the show for now, no spoilers.
What I will say is that Aviendha is Aiel. Remember when we saw Rand’s pregnant mother fighting in the ‘Blood Snow’ scene? She was Aiel and so is Aviendha. The Aiel culture becomes a bigger part of this story going forward. That’s all I’ll say for now so as there are no spoilers here.
Smart, who has appeared in the U.K. show Killing Eve, was revealed as being the shows Aviendha by Showrunner Rafe Judkins during a virtual panel at JordanCon 2022. We got the news through Deadline‘s coverage. However unless you like spoilers I would not have a read of the source article. It seems to me like the author doesn’t know the story and looked up some online information on the character of Aviendha. As such, their report contains what I would consider quite a major spoiler about the character’s journey. However, I’m not your dad, so do what you want. I won’t mention that detail here though.
What I can say for certain is that Smart will likely appear in any future season of the show and not just Season 2 given her role in the books. As for what I think of Smart’s casting? I genuinely am never sure with any casting until I see the actor in the role. I hated the idea of Henry Cavill as Geralt, until I saw him. That taught me that I cannot trust my own judgement without seeing what the actor can do in that role.
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There are some fans slightly unhappy that Smart is not a white woman with red hair. However that’s hardly uncommon, sadly, and many fantasy shows are trying to make their characters more inclusive.
I always figured that WoT was very multicultural outside of perhaps the Aiel, because they are described as being a certain way. I genuinely don’t think that matters for any role in Wheel of Time outside of Rand. Rand had to be a pale guy with red hair, because it’s a trait unusual and thus something that connects the character to the Aiel just as we saw revealed in the Season 1 finale. However outside of Rand I never had any issues with any character being whoever was best for the role, no matter their racial background. Does it change the story? No, therefore it’s irrelevant.
Still, whether I think smart is the perfect Aviendha or not will be judged on how well she embodies the character in Season 2 for me. I do think Smart’s hair looks light enough that she absolutely could be an Aiel even without a wig.
What do you think as Wheel of Time Season 2 casts Ayoola Smart as Aviendha? Beware possible spoilers in the comments if you are thinking of letting us know what you think.
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