Why I Don’t Want a ‘Fourth Wing’ Television Adaptation

It’s a bold stance, but I firmly believe that Prime Video—or any streaming service, for that matter—should not adapt Fourth Wing into a TV series.

On one hand, I understand the rationale behind Amazon’s desire to create a series based on Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean novels, which have become some of the best-selling adult fantasy titles in recent history. While they may not be my personal favorites, I’ve enjoyed my encounters with them; I eagerly await my paperback version of Onyx Storm to match my collection. After all, Xaden is undeniably captivating, Violet is a commendable protagonist, and I could easily dive into a narrative focused solely on Tairn because who doesn’t love a good dragon?

The ever-growing buzz about casting on BookTok, Instagram, and other major platforms suggests that the development of Prime Video’s adaptation is nearly inevitable. The showrunner, Moira Walley-Beckett, known for her work on Breaking Bad and Anne with an E, is steering the project. While I might not have seen Breaking Bad, I found Anne with an E to be an enjoyable watch. Yarros has expressed enthusiasm for the early scripts and confirmed that Xaden will be portrayed by a person of color, which aligns with the story’s narrative, irrespective of the prevailing fan art interpretations floating around online. Prime Video has experience with adapting intricate fantasy series, and their visual production quality is typically impressive.

The Challenges of Fantasy Adaptations

Fantasy adaptations present a unique set of challenges. I’ve previously noted how it’s unfortunate that many significant high fantasy narratives are transitioning to the small screen rather than being treated to cinematic releases. Streaming platforms are aggressively acquiring book rights, with Netflix boasting titles like Shadow & Bone, The Witcher, and Narnia. HBO has introduced Westeros and is curating a Harry Potter series. Disney+ is working on Percy Jackson, and Prime Video is enhancing its portfolio with The Wheel of Time and Middle-earth. While some of these adaptations have struck gold, others have failed to captivate audiences effectively.

Adapting fantasy stories is notoriously difficult. Peter Jackson’s cinematic rendering of The Lord of the Rings is often regarded as an anomaly—a spectacular achievement that still required significant omissions from J. R.R. Tolkien’s illustrious work, even with its nearly twelve hours of runtime. Comparatively, while Fourth Wing isn’t as intricate as Tolkien’s saga, the planned eight to ten episode format raises questions about whether it will resonate as anticipated.

There’s a strong likelihood that many cherished scenes may be overlooked, training montages could be unnecessarily extended, and critical plot details might be omitted altogether. While a Fourth Wing adaptation could potentially succeed, the chances of it meeting fan expectations seem regrettably slim. Consider Shadow & Bone; despite its promise, Netflix’s overly ambitious approach led to its abrupt cancellation after just two seasons.

The Case for Keeping Books as Books

Upon reflection, I realize I don’t want Fourth Wing to be translated into film or television at all. My reluctance isn’t rooted in it being my ultimate favorite book nor the potential disappointment of not seeing my imagined version on screen. Rather, it stems from a growing resistance against the notion that every wildly successful fantasy or romantic fantasy series must be adapted in some form.

These narratives gained popularity as novels for specific reasons. Engaging with a book is an inherently distinct experience than watching its screen adaptation. I would assert that the immersive nature of reading offers a more profound connection, allowing readers to populate the narrative’s world with their imaginations—especially in first-person narratives, though third-person stories can also evoke strong connections. Yarros’ remarkable ability to resonate with a global audience signifies her mastery of storytelling. Shouldn’t we honor the characters of Violet and Xaden in their original literary form?

From a business perspective, adapting books is a logical move given their pre-existing audience. While I acknowledge this, adaptations essentially dictate a definitive version of the story, which can overshadow readers’ personal interpretations. Adaptations restrict the narrative’s symbolism to what is presented onscreen, potentially limiting the rich, imaginative landscapes that readers create in their minds.

It’s not that Fourth Wing lacks potential for adaptation—numerous adult fantasy narratives are even more complex than this—but some stories deserve to remain intact as books. This certainly doesn’t diminish their popularity or the author’s achievements. Ultimately, perhaps a successful novel doesn’t need to transition into another medium to solidify its legacy. The audience already adores this story—why alter its essence?

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