I have been following the books for over 20 years, since the first few chapters of Eye of the World was passed out in book stores as free samples. I really worry that casting and writing will be done in a less than mature way. It appears that not only physical appearances of characters as described in the books, but also story lines will be prone to adjustments and changes by the writers and direction to embrace a more modern politically correct aspect. I've seen a lot of moves / tv shows made from books and know that it is not uncommon for things to change from the printed page to the screen. I just hope they keep it to a minimum.

I have always seen Thom Merrilin in my mind as Tim Thomerson. 

I see WOT as having the potential to equal or maybe even surpass other fantasy like Harry Potter, or the Hobbit movies. 

Anyway, I hope it is great.