Amazon’s The Wheel of Time has yet to debut, but some significant changes are already reshaping the series’ cast. According to Deadline, fans shouldn’t get too attached to Barney Harris’ work as Mat Cauthon. The character has been recast and now The Witcher alum Dónal Finn will portray the long-time friend of Perrin Aybara and Rand al’Thor, as well as leader and founder of the Band of the Red Hand. Finn appeared as the peasant Nettly in the second installment of Netflix’s The Witcher.
The reason for the change is still undisclosed at the moment of writing. It’s not common for a series to recast one of its main characters, but it usually indicates that something didn’t work between the actor and the production (just think about Ruby Rose and Batwoman). Amazon is shooting the sophomore season for this show, while fans will have to wait for November to watch season 1.
RELATED: Amazon Debuts Trailer for The Wheel of Time, Sets Official Release Date
In the books, Mat is a lazy and immature ta’veren. While he is gifted with immense powers, he tends to avoid his role in the Pattern — the whole of existence and reality — as much as possible. He is also the leader of an army named after a band of Manetheren heroes. In the story, he doesn’t change his physical appearance; thus, the recast wasn’t dictated by this necessity.
The Wheel of Time will debut on Amazon Prime on Friday, Nov. 19.
Why do you think Amazon recast the Mat Cauthon actor? We want to hear your guess in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, Book 1)
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