Photographer: Jemima Marriott
Styling: Grace Gilfeather
Grooming: Charlotte Kraftman
We spoke to upcoming star Marcus Rutherford about his new role as Perrin Aybara in Amazon Prime’s full power series ‘The Wheel Of Time’ the series is based on books by author Robert Jordan and stars Rosamund Pike, Marcus plays one of the five young characters she crosses paths with creating a high fantasy story in a world where only certain women can harness magic.
Hi Marcus, where are you currently?
Hello, I’m currently in Prague filming Season 2 of The Wheel Of Time.
Amazon Original The Wheel Of Time is out now, it looks magical – who do you play in the series? Can you tell us a bit about the storyline of the show?
I play Perrin Aybara, the gentle giant and village blacksmith from The Two Rivers. The story focuses around Moiraine’s quest to discover the Dragon Reborn. A prophecy that comes around in each turning of the wheel. In Robert Jordan’s world only certain women can access magic, if men try to channel they are driven into madness.
Where was the show filmed? It looks like there are some amazing locations in some of the scenes.
We are based in Prague as that’s where our studios were built however much is filmed on location around the Czech Republic. We were also fortunate enough to travel to Slovenia and Croatia as well.
The show is based on the book series by Robert Jordan, is there a big fan base for the books already? Did you read them before taking on the role of Perrin?
I got straight into the first couple before I flew out to Prague to really get an understanding of the world I was entering and now I also stay a few ahead of where the scripts are timewise.
Marcus wears: White crew neck sweater by Ralph Lauren
Cord trousers by Private White VC
After filming the series were you inspired to go on to play any particular roles?
I feel I’ve learnt so many skills on this, which hopefully I could apply to another role. Perrin is incredibly introspective and quiet so perhaps a more confident character would be interesting to play.
Can you tell us about your other acting roles in the last few years?
Due to the pandemic and the magnitude of this job I’ve actually been purely Wheel of Timing for the past couple of years. However before coming on board for this I shot a small independent feature called County Lines.
Out of all the characters you’ve played -which role have you found the most challenging?
I believe Perrin as he’s such a deep thinker and there’s a real complexity to his demeanour. A character who doesn’t speak so candidly means you have to really think about the reason for why they’ve spoken.
Marcus wears: Check overshirt by Isabel Marant
White roll neck sweater by Private white VC
Jeans by Reay
And the easiest and most natural role you’ve slipped into?
I think Sadiq in County Lines. Strangely he was the furthest away from myself, a real dark and depraved soul, so that’s slightly worrying. But I just found his voice and physicality straight away and it matches what the director had envisioned.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced on a set ?
I remember having to eat this bowl of lentils with Madeleine Madden. Our characters were supposed to be starving so we had to look ravenous whilst eating. However we both struggled to swallow it and once both started laughing. Lentils exploded out of Maddy’s mouth and nostrils. It was messy and hilarious.
Marcus wears:Navy overcoat and cord trousers both by Private White VC
White crew neck by Ralph Lauren
Aside from acting, what makes Marcus tick?
I love music and football. I find these two always help me relax when perhaps the acting side gets a little hectic or intense.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
I watch a lot of films to be honest, the fact cinemas were closed during the pandemic made me miss that experience even more. I play football when I have spare time and also write tv show films/ideas with a couple of mates.
Marcus wears: Blue Check shirt by Wax
Jeans by Raey
What’s your most favourite film ever ?
I think Stand By Me. It’s a film that makes me cry and the purity of the friendships in the story are so funny and heartbreaking.
What’s your favourite outfit?
To be fair we just had The Wheel Of Time Premier and I was lucky to have a Ralph Lauren number tailored for my lanky giant self. I’m not usually bothered about fancy attire but this felt so nice to wear.
What do you find cool about America?
I have family out there so it often comes with fun memories of every time I’ve visited. For me the music, TV and film culture is incredible. Shows like Ramy and Atlanta are on such a level it’s hard to articulate how smart the writing is at times.
And finally tell us what’s cool about you?
Ah that’s a tricky one! Struggling a bit. I mean I guess I’m currently working on a TV show that’s based on a popular book series. If I told my younger self this, he’d probably think that was cool!
The Wheel of Time is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video now
Over Coat by Private White VC
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