New The Wheel of Time projects has fans concerned about AI

Yesterday, Variety revealed that multiple new projects inspired by Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time fantasy novels are heading fans’ way. They are currently in development by the IP owner, iwot Studios. The studio will also work with Thomas Vu, producer of Arcane and a veteran of Riot Games’ League of Legends, as well as Anthony Borquez’s media company, Initiate Entertainment.

The news was met with mixed reception by fans on social media, with some pleased that Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series would find a new lease of life in these projects, after the Prime Video show was canceled. However, others were more concerned about iwot Studios’ collaboration with partners and organizations known for their use of AI. Borquez, for instance, is the founder of Grab Games and co-founder of Grab Labs, an AI development firm specializing in the entertainment and video game industries.

Borquez will work with Vu, alongside iwot Studios CEO Rick Selvage and COO Larry Mondragon, both of whom were producers on Amazon’s The Wheel of Time. The group will develop and produce a new video game, an animated TV series, and animated feature films.

It’s not the first time that iwot Studios has partnered with collaborators who champion AI. Only last month, it was revealed that the studio had struck a deal with Framestore, a VFX company, to launch an “AI-enabled platform” that will help with asset management across multiple platforms and projects.

Amazon’s The Wheel of Time lasted only three seasons before being abruptly canceled due to financial issues and declining viewership. However, as some fans pointed out, it was an enterprise at least built on “beautiful human craftsmanship,” not AI.

Although there is no solid proof that AI will be used in the production of the animated The Wheel of Time TV series, movies, or video games — though people are already openly speculating whether Vu’s exclusive artwork shared with Variety is AI-generated — iwot Studios’ willingness to partner with companies that use AI has fans worried. Only time will tell whether their fears are justified.