io9 got a chance to speak to the actor about her characters harrowing, powerful journey.
The situation builds to a startling confrontation, which we discussed with Madden in our interview below.
Cheryl Eddy, io9: Season two was incredibly physical for Egwene.
Photo: Jan Thijs/Prime Video
What sorts of preparations did you have to undergo ahead of filming?
I would really reflect on that, and also refer back to the books as well.
All of those women that you see that are damane have gone through a truly horrific time being collared.
Photo: Jan Thijs/Prime Video
io9: You had to pull off some really heightened emotions using just your eyes.
What was that experience like for you?
Madden: It was really difficult.
Photo: Jan Thijs/Prime Video
She does not cry.
Shes not crying, shes not crying.
That final scene when she breaks down, that also felt very real for me.
Photo: Jan Thijs/Prime Video
What do you think shes feeling in that moment when she kills Renna?
And Egwene no longer feels that she needs to prove herself to anyone anymore.
She knows what shes capable of and just how powerful she is.
Exclusive image of Madeleine Madden as Egwene, making its debut here on io9.Image: Prime Video
And its an interesting contrast with everyone saying We need to save Egwene!
when really Egwenes like, The only way Im getting out of this is if I save myself.
Shes an entirely different beast now.
When shes killing the White Cloaks, when she kills Renna, she has changed.
She is darker, she is more ruthless.
I think now she feels strong enough where she can protect her friends.
She doesnt need to look to other people now for strength and guidance.
She is that for herself.
I didnt film with them for the entirety of the season.
So when we do come back together, it does really feel like a homecoming and a reunion.
They wont be able to face and defeat the evil in this world if they arent standing unified.
Whats been the most surprising part of her journey so far for you?
Madden: I think just seeing really how determined she is and how strong she is.
Weve been told through [other] characters that Egwenes unbreakable, the unbreakable Egwene.
Episode six is a big turning point for her.
It was something that I was really ready for as an actor.
Here in this moment, in this episode, she was powerful for herself.
She saved herself for herself.
She was strong for herself.
And shes forever changed because of this experience.
Seasons oneandtwo of The Wheel of Timeare now streaming on Prime Video;a third seasonis on the way.
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