Maja Simonsen: ‘The Wheel Of Time Season 3 Is The Best Yet’

21 hours ago

The Wheel of Time season 3 is streaming now on Prime Video

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Streaming now on Prime Video, The Wheel of Time is back for season 3, featuring an ensemble cast lead by Rosamund Pike. We sat down with Maja Simonsen who stars as Chiad to get the behind-the-scenes scoop.

Interview: Maja Simonsen

Hi Maja, how’s life going at the moment?

Great, thanks! Always an exciting time when a show you’ve worked on is released!

You are about to return for season 3 of The Wheel of Time – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

OK! Here we go. The Wheel of Time is an Amazon fantasy TV-show that’s based on Robert Jordan’s book series. In short, it’s a story between the Light and Shadow. Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski) who plays the Dragon Reborn, is one of the main protagonists who is destined to either save the world or bring its destruction. There’s a lot of magic, love, good, evil, different cultures etc. Whether you’re into fantasy or not, it’s a show that I genuinely think everyone watch, as the cast is just so brilliant!

You play Chiad – how would you describe her?

Chiad is my hero. She’s so badass. She’s an Aiel and a Maiden of the Spear. That means she’s part of a group of women who have sworn an oath to avoid marriage and bear children, instead she focuses on defending her people and fights in battle. She’s strong, funny, playful, honourable, determined, and trustworthy. All the good stuff. She also speaks sign language and is amongst the most skilled fighters in the show. What’s not to love!

What can we expect from her this season?

We can expect some cheekiness and Maiden’s kiss games! I think you’ll hopefully see a breakdown from the more stoic character in season 2; she’s warmed up more to the people around her. And also some pretty sick spear fighting!

What was it like returning to the character?

It was really fun! Chiad is such an amazing character to play. There’s so much more to her than meets the eye and as an actor having sign language and a lot of stunt work is just the dream. I love a physical role, and she’s nothing but that!

How do you get into character as Chiad?

Honestly, she comes to me as soon as I get my wig put on and I get into the costume. Davina Lamont, who leads the hair and makeup team, has really done such a brilliant job on what the Aiel look like, down to every freckle – there are no details missed. As well the costume by Sharon Gilham: I can physically feel my body standing taller and prouder when I get that costume on. It’s kind of amazing. They’ve made it so easy to really feel the character.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

Well as an Aiel, we have quite a lot of prep before filming even begins. There’s stunt training that we work on several times a week throughout the entire season filming, as well as dialect sessions and sign language sessions. And then of course working on the script, and getting to know Chiad: who she is, what she cares about, what are her values, what do other people think of her? Since it’s a character from a book, I’ve been lucky to have all that information available to me, along with speaking with our show runner Rafe Judkins and Justine Gillmer. They’ve helped loads and have always been available if there were any questions, big or small.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

Night shoots are always interesting, as there are usually moments where everyone starts to lose it or get some weird burst of energy. Even though the show has a very serious energy to it, behind the scenes it’s always been fun.

Anything in season 3 you’re really excited for fans to see?

The entire season, honestly! I think this is truly the best one yet. It is really cool that the Aiel’s world is being shown more. I am excited for them to see the Maiden’s kiss game, as I know that’s a fan favourite!

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I’m currently filming Panic Carefully directed by Sam Esmail. It’s a big cast with amazing actors and it’s just such a dream to be able to work with people that I genuinely have always admired and respected.

What has been your favourite project to date?

The Wheel of Time for sure. I’ve been given a family through this show. We are all really close and have had so many memories together. I still see them every week even though we wrapped more than a year ago!

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

Oh, I can’t pick! I’ve honestly enjoyed working with every single actor I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Each actor brings something individually, and I also feel that working with talented people brings up your own performance. Tom Hiddleston was extremely nice and genuinely always looking to do his best, and didn’t shy away from asking for advice in the scene. It is really humbling to see that actors, no matter where they are in their career, are still willing to put their ego aside to get the best take.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I didn’t actually have scenes with him, but Charles Dance gave me some incredible advice and little nuggets of wisdom that I’ll always keep with me on my acting journey.

What’s your dream role?

I’m honestly not entirely sure… I’m open to anything with a great script, director and a challenge!

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Love love love doing comedy, so it would be amazing to get to explore that more.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

There are so many! But Mike White would be up there.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A Broadway dancer/actor! Sadly my musical skills failed me. Ha. And a psychologist.

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

You don’t need to downplay yourself to fit in! And please take out those many many bra pads… Come on, Maja!

How can we all live a little bit better?

If we all had therapy, I think the world would look very different…

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Currently working on developing a TV show with some talented people! It’s fun to be on the other side for once. I’ve learnt a lot and still am learning many things from this. Also dipping my fingers into writing a bit as well. It has been more daunting than I originally thought, but it’s a great challenge and luckily I’m surrounded by friends who are always willing to help when I’m stuck.