We FINALLY know a little more about Dónal Finn replacing Barney Harris on The Wheel of Time

His exit is still surrounded in mystery four years later

16 hours ago

A director of The Wheel of Time has FINALLY revealed some more information about Dónal Finn replacing Barney Harris as quick-witted rogue Mat Cauthon. When Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s The Wheel of Time was brought to life by Amazon back in 2021, Barney Harris stepped into the role of Mat and gave a pretty solid performance. (Book lovers don’t come for me; I’ve only just started the books).

Sadly, when production closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barney did not return to the set, and some clever editing was used to make it seem like he was actually in the last few episodes. Now, four years after it happened, we still don’t really know why he left and conflicting reports have covered numerous theories. For season two, Hadestown’s Dónal Finn took over the role as Mat, and while it did take a few episodes to grow accustomed two, he’s also pretty solid in my humble opinion.

Wheel of Time

With the release of season three this month, people are once again talking about the switch. Thomas Napper, who directed two season two episodes and several in season three, has now revealed that he was instrumental to Dónal Finn’s casting.

“To be honest, when he was recast, I was involved in that process,” he told ScreenRant.

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“That was kind of one of my main challenges–to find the new Mat, obviously working with the team and Rafe and Justine [Gillmer] and Marigo [Kehoe] to do that.” But I was involved in all the castings and directing the scenes with Dónal. I think he’s a fantastic actor. I think Dónal’s, like, the perfect Mat. He’s so funny, but he’s also quicksilver. He’s got an amazing energy and personality–[he’s] really, really fun to be with. He feels very Mat. I want to go dicing with him.”

There was one particular moment that led to Dónal Finn taking over that role, and that came during chemistry testing in Prague.

“When he came to Prague to do chemistry casting, that was where it was really clear,” he added. “Remote casting is obviously really helpful … but when I was in the room with Dónal, I just had the feeling that he was the one, and I know Rafe had it as well.”

Matt

What else do we know about Dónal Finn replacing Barney Harris on The Wheel of Time?

If you’re looking for a firm answer, then you’ve come to the wrong place because there are so many conflicting reports out there about Barney Harris being replaced by Dónal Finn on The Wheel of Time. For instance, Screen Rant has reported that Barney did not come back to production because of mental health reasons.

Tabloids at the time also claimed he was an anti-vaxxer and refused to fall in line with Covid policy, but following a legal complaint, these were removed or changed. There’s also the idea that he simply didn’t want to return, but again, he’s never explicitly confirmed nor denied those rumours so we’re left to speculate.

Will we ever find out?

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Featured image credit: Amazon