Dragon riders, prepare for takeoff.
Romantasy has cast its spell on the world, and no series has conjured that magic more powerfully than Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing. Since its release in 2023, Violet Sorrengail’s story of dragons, danger and devastating romance has swept through bookshelves globally—a cultural phenomenon that turned an entire genre into a publishing revolution.
Now, the Empyrean series is finally making its long-awaited flight to the small screen. Prime Video has officially ordered Fourth Wing to series, and with an extraordinary team of creatives at the helm, the adaptation promises to be as exhilarating as the books themselves. Whether you’re a devotee who has worn out your copy of the series or a newcomer curious about all the BookTok buzz, here’s everything you need to know.
Rebecca Yarros, Lisa Joy, Meredith Averill, and Michael B. Jordan speak onstage during the Amazon Upfront. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Amazon)
All you need to know about the “Fourth Wing” series:
What is it about?
From powerful dragons to the looming threat of war and a forbidden love, Fourth Wing is a gripping, romantasy that follows Violet Sorrengail, who is thrust into a prestigious military academy for dragon riders. There she must face fierce competition, brutal training and deadly secrets while trying to keep herself alive. But, when tension rises between her and her leader, Xaden Riorson—also, her enemy—Violet must decide what’s worth saving. This enemies-to-lovers fantasy is a thrilling tale about survival, courage and destiny, and it’s based on the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. With the series already spanning three books—Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm—(which broke records as the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years), there is an entire world waiting to be brought to life on screen. And, if you haven’t yet fallen under the spell of Rebecca Yarros yet, consider this your sign.
What quotes would we like to see in the show?
We have plenty here are a few of them:
“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”
“There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”
“I would rather lose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself over and over, then I’ll do it. You gave me your heart, and I’m keeping it.”
“Should I get the Wingleader?”
“Oh, gods.” “Which one are you calling out for? Because it’s just you and me in this room, Vi, and I don’t share.”
“It’s been. My honor.”
“You can’t make me fall for you and then die.”
“None of this is worth it without you.”
Who is behind it?
The creative team assembled for Fourth Wing is nothing short of remarkable. Meredith Averill (The Haunting of Hill House, Locke & Key) is adapting the novels for television and will serve as showrunner and executive producer. While Michael B. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo will be executive producers via Outlier Society. And of course, Rebecca Yarros herself is on board as executive producer, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the heart of her beloved books. “I’m thrilled to be working with this dedicated, experienced team and grateful for their passion for both the books and the readership behind them,” said Yarros.
Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy, and Athena Wickham will executive produce via Kilter Films, while Liz Pelletier and Sherryl Clark will executive produce via Premeditated Productions. Lisa Joy, on the other hand, is also set to direct the pilot.
Meredith Averill, Michael B. Jordan, Rebecca Yarros, and Lisa Joy. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Amazon)
When was it officially announced?
Prime Video made the series order official on 11 May 2026, closing out its annual Upfront presentation in New York City with the announcement—a fitting finale for one of the most anticipated adaptations in the world. The project has been in development since October 2023, when Amazon MGM Studios first acquired the rights to the Empyrean series.
Who is in the cast?
No cast has been officially confirmed yet—the show is currently in pre-production. But that hasn’t stopped the internet from having very strong feelings about it.
The most talked-about fan casting for Xaden Riorson is Australian actor Josh Heuston (Dune: Prophecy, Heartbreak High, Off Campus)—and yes, the overlap with Off Campus has been noted by fans everywhere. Yarros herself has confirmed that Xaden will be played by a person of colour: “I don’t have any demands other than the fact that Xaden isn’t white,” she has said. Other names circulating in fan discourse include Emilio Sakraya.
For Violet Sorrengail, popular fan choices include Mackenzie Foy (Twilight, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms) and Hannah Dodd (Bridgerton).
Is there a release date?
Not yet. As the show is still in pre-production, Prime Video has not confirmed a premiere date or timeline.
Is there a trailer?
Not yet.
What about the books—do I need to read them first?
The Empyrean series currently consists of three books: Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), and Onyx Storm (2025). The planned fourth and fifth books have not yet been announced. Consider this your reading list while you wait.
Where will you be able to watch it?
On Prime Video.
This story will be updated.
