The Wheel of Time season 2 will expand the show's world and introduce intriguing new antagonists. Season 1 set the stage for a vast and intricately crafted fantasy world, making season 2 even more exciting. The groundwork is laid, allowing for easier integration of new characters alongside the established core and main protagonists.
The Wheel of Time is renowned for its abundance of characters. While the TV adaptation won't feature the same overwhelming number found in Robert Jordan's 14-book series, season 2 is expected to introduce several new antagonists as it adapts the second and third novels. Although not confirmed for season 2, these 10 villains are strong contenders to make an appearance in the show's next chapter.
10 Lanfear
9 High Lord Turak
Lanfear, one of the most formidable among the Forsaken, harbors a deep affection for Lews Therin Telamon, also known as the preeminent Dragon Reborn preceding Rand. Unveiled in the second book of the series, The Great Hunt, Lanfear initially assumes the persona of Selene, an alleged noblewoman from Cairhien. She cunningly feigns vulnerability to entangle Rand in her manipulative web, artfully gaining his trust and that of his companions all the while advocating for him to wholeheartedly embrace his extraordinary abilities as a channeler. It has been confirmed that Lanfear will grace the second season of the Wheel of Time, and it is anticipated that her portrayal will closely echo her depiction in the books. Acclaimed actress Natasha O'Keeffe has been selected to bring this captivating character to life [via WOT Series].
High Lord Turak, a blademaster and merciless military commander, assumes leadership of "The Return" in the Seanchan realm. In a captivating encounter during The Great Hunt, High Lord Turak engages in a duel with Rand al'Thor in Falme. As The Wheel of Time season 2 unfurls, High Lord Turak is anticipated to emerge as a significant adversary to Rand, further heightening the intrigue. Distinguished as one of the series' more unnerving villains, his introduction serves as a chilling foray into the world of the Seanchan. Season 2 of The Wheel of Time is poised to utilize his character as a means to explore the intrigue surrounding the Seanchan.
8 Be'lal
7 Sammael
Like Lanfear, Be'lal is a member of the villains known as the Forsaken, and he makes an appearance in the third installment of the series titled The Dragon Reborn. One of his standout moments in the book series involves a fierce battle with Moiraine Damodred at the Stone of Tear. Be'lal has the potential to be an excellent antagonist in season 2 of The Wheel of Time. However, it seems that the show is considering removing a significant number of villains, Be'lal included. Assuming Be'lal is not cut from the show, it would be fitting to introduce him in season 2 as most of his pivotal scenes take place in The Dragon Reborn.
Sammael, a character from The Wheel of Time's Forsaken, has the potential to make an entrance in season 2. Renowned as one of the Forsaken's strongest members and adept military leaders, his notable presence unfolds primarily in the later books, although he is first referenced in The Dragon Reborn.
6 Rahvin
One of the key priorities in season 2 should be the introduction and development of Sammael as a formidable adversary for Rand. By allowing viewers to become familiar with Sammael prior to his climactic showdown with Rand, the impact of their final confrontation will be significantly heightened. Given the vast array of villains in The Wheel of Time, it is crucial to prioritize the timely introduction of Sammael, considering his status as one of the pinnacle characters in the source material.Rahvin, a member of the Forsaken, possesses an unparalleled mastery of saidin comparable to Rand al'Thor and Ishamael. Concealing his true identity as Lord Gaebril of Caemlyn, Rahvin asserts control over the court through the compelling influence of Compulsion, an influential weave of the One Power employed for mental manipulation. With his cunning utilization of Compulsion, Rahvin successfully seizes control over Andor. Initially introduced in The Dragon Reborn, it is highly anticipated that Rahvin's narrative will unfold in The Wheel of Time season 2. This notion aligns with the introduction of Elayne in the second season, indicating an exploration of Andor's royal family.
5 Child Jaret Byar
Jaret Byar, a member of the Children of the Light, loathes Perrin Aybara as his sworn enemy. Initially introduced in The Eye of the World, he was absent in The Wheel of Time season 1, hinting at a possible introduction in season 2. During the Battle of Falme, Child Byar serves under Geofram Bornhald but is instructed to retreat and inform Pedron Niall of their defeat. He later appears in the Two Rivers and remains present until nearing the series' conclusion. The character in the book harbors an intense, all-consuming animosity towards Perrin, leading us to speculate that the show might explore a similar narrative if and when he joins the cast.
4 Elaida
Introduced in The Eye of the World, Elaida is a character absent in The Wheel of Time season 1. Initially serving as the Aes Sedai advisor to Queen Morgase of Andor, she eventually returns to the White Tower. Although Elaida is not initially portrayed as a villainous character, she later becomes a formidable antagonist to the series' Aes Sedai protagonists, such as Egwene and Nynaeve. Elaida is responsible for the destructive divide within the White Tower, which has far-reaching consequences. While Liandrin currently fills this role, it remains possible for Elaida to resurface and cause even more chaos.
3 High Lady Suroth
2 Pedron Niall
High Lady Suroth plays a crucial role in the Seanchan storyline of The Wheel of Time. While her significant contributions occur later in the series, she is particularly relevant in the narrative of Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne in The Great Hunt. As one of the most wicked members of the Seanchan, she emerges as a persistent adversary throughout the books. Suroth assumes leadership of "The Return" following High Lord Turak and achieves considerably more success than he did, although she is spared the challenge of dueling the Dragon Reborn. Given the looming presence of the Seanchan, it would not be surprising if Suroth is among them.
Pedron Niall, the Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light, stands out as a captivating character, occupying a morally intricate space within the series. While possessing a certain level of appeal due to his relatively higher sense of honor compared to other villains, he undeniably assumes an antagonist role. Niall's astute intellect and innate leadership skills are apparent, yet his distorted perspective of the world leads him to ruthlessly condemn Aes Sedai. Initially introduced in The Great Hunt, there is a strong possibility that he will make his debut in The Wheel of Time season 2.
1 Marillin Gemalphin
Marillin Gemalphin, an Aes Sedai from the Brown Ajah, eventually succumbs to the shadow and becomes a member of the Black Ajah. She follows Liandrin, one of the 13 Aes Sedai who flee from the White Tower. In The Dragon Reborn, Gemalphin assists Liandrin in capturing Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve in the Stone of Tear. If The Wheel of Time season 2 reaches this point in the series, Marillin Gemalphin is expected to make her debut and assume a significant role, likely as an ally to the troublesome Liandrin who poses challenges for the show's characters.