Introduction
Fantasy lovers, rejoice! The film industry is gearing up for a fresh wave of book-to-film adaptations, bringing some of our favorite magical worlds and beloved characters to life on the big screen. From epic high-fantasy sagas to enchanting tales rooted in mythology, there’s a lot on the horizon for fantasy fans to look forward to. This list covers some of the most anticipated upcoming fantasy adaptations, where you can expect to see groundbreaking visuals, captivating storytelling, and unforgettable performances.
So, grab your popcorn, and let’s dive into the list of upcoming fantasy book-to-film adaptations you should be excited about!
1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Expected Release: [TBD]
Studio and Production Team: Disney and Lucasfilm, with [TBD]
Plot Summary: Set in the fictional land of Orïsha, this story follows Zélie Adebola, a young girl determined to bring back magic and overthrow an oppressive regime that has subjugated her people and slaughtered her fellow maji. As Zélie undertakes this journey, she teams up with her brother Tzain and an unlikely ally, Amari, the princess who also seeks freedom from her tyrannical father. Together, they face dangerous enemies, powerful spirits, and a growing resistance.
Why We’re Excited: Adeyemi’s debut novel is celebrated for its dynamic world-building, African mythology-inspired magic, and powerful themes of identity and resistance. With Disney and Lucasfilm at the helm, this adaptation has the potential to blend stunning visuals with a deeply relevant story.
2. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Expected Release: [TBD]
Studio and Production Team: Lionsgate, produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Plot Summary: This story is framed as an autobiography, with the mysterious Kvothe recounting his life story to a chronicler. He shares his journey from a gifted but troubled young orphan to a student of magic, a traveling performer, and eventually, a feared legend. The novel focuses on his pursuit of knowledge, love, and revenge, set against a richly developed world where magic is both powerful and dangerous.
Why We’re Excited: Rothfuss’s storytelling is celebrated for its poetic prose and intricate plot. With Lin-Manuel Miranda involved, the adaptation has the potential to bring out the story’s musical elements and emotional depth, while immersing audiences in the beautiful but treacherous world of Temerant.
3. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
Expected Release: [TBD]
Studio and Production Team: Sony Pictures Television, with Director [TBD]
Plot Summary: This trilogy follows the lives of powerful orogenes—people who can control seismic activity—as they navigate a world continually ravaged by catastrophic earthquakes. The main character, Essun, must confront her past while trying to protect her family and survive in a world that sees her as both a savior and a monster. Themes of survival, prejudice, and resilience run through this dark, unique story, which also contains elements of sci-fi.
Why We’re Excited: Jemisin’s trilogy is the only series to have won the Hugo Award for Best Novel three years in a row. Known for its complex characters and thought-provoking themes, this adaptation promises a visually striking and emotionally intense experience, bringing a truly original and diverse fantasy series to life.
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Expected Release: [TBD]
Studio and Production Team: Hulu, produced by Ronald D. Moore
Plot Summary: This fantasy romance follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who accidentally kills a faerie wolf. As punishment, she’s brought to the faerie lands, where she discovers a world of powerful High Fae and dark magic. As she grows closer to the mysterious faerie lord Tamlin, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue, danger, and romance that could change her life—and the fate of the faerie realm—forever.
Why We’re Excited: With its mix of romance, adventure, and a darkly enchanting world, Maas’s series has a massive fanbase. An adaptation has the potential to combine epic visuals with steamy romance and nail-biting suspense, appealing to both fantasy fans and romance enthusiasts alike.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Expected Release: [TBD]
Studio and Production Team: [TBD]
Plot Summary: This standalone fantasy novel weaves together the lives of several characters across continents, all united in the face of an ancient dragon’s return. As tensions between warring factions rise, Queen Sabran the Ninth must produce an heir to secure her kingdom, while a secretive mage named Ead Duryan protects her from the shadows. This story explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the fight for equality, set against a richly crafted world of dragons and ancient lore.
Why We’re Excited: Shannon’s novel has been praised for its world-building and strong female characters. The adaptation promises sweeping vistas, majestic dragons, and an empowering narrative that challenges traditional fantasy tropes.
6. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Expected Release: [TBD]
Studio and Production Team: Peacock, produced by [TBD]
Plot Summary: In a dystopian world divided by blood—common Reds serve the elite Silvers, who possess supernatural abilities—Mare Barrow, a Red thief, discovers she has her own surprising powers. Forced into the world of the Silvers, she becomes a pawn in their political games while secretly plotting a rebellion. With elements of both fantasy and dystopia, Red Queen is an exciting tale of power, betrayal, and revolution.
Why We’re Excited: Aveyard’s novel is packed with action, drama, and plot twists, making it ideal for an adaptation that could offer both thrilling battle scenes and a powerful narrative about fighting for justice and equality.
Additional Adaptations on the Horizon
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch: A darkly humorous tale of a band of thieves led by the clever and cunning Locke Lamora as they navigate heists, betrayals, and survival in a gritty, crime-ridden city.
- The Shadow and Bone Universe (Expansions on Netflix’s existing series) by Leigh Bardugo: Set to expand further with adaptations of Bardugo’s other books in the Grishaverse, which blend Russian folklore-inspired settings with adventure and magic.
- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon: This series follows a young clairvoyant named Paige Mahoney as she navigates a dystopian London where the supernatural is both feared and exploited.
- The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter: This action-packed novel follows Tau, a young man determined to avenge his father’s death, in a world where people can call upon dragon spirits to aid them in battle.
- Jade City by Fonda Lee: This gritty fantasy combines elements of kung fu and mob drama in a city where powerful families control a substance called jade, which grants extraordinary abilities.
Conclusion
Even though upcoming fantasy book-to-film adaptations don’t always stay true to the books, there’s hope that a few of these movies will really capture the magic of the stories. Bringing big fantasy worlds, detailed plots, and favorite characters to the screen isn’t easy, but with the right teams behind them, some of these films could turn out great.
No matter what, it will be exciting to see these stories in a new way. Let’s hope some of them surprise us and become memorable movies!
