Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya Lead Prime Video’s 'Fourth Wing' Adaptation

Key points

• Esther McGregor will portray protagonist Violet Sorrengail, while Emilio Sakraya will play Xaden Riorson in the Prime Video series 'Fourth Wing.'
• The series is based on Rebecca Yarros’ 2023 New York Times bestseller 'Fourth Wing,' the first book in the 'Empyrean' fantasy series, which also includes 'Iron Flame' and 'Onyx Storm.'
• Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to the book series in 2023 and officially greenlit the series in May 2026.
• Meredith Averill serves as showrunner and executive producer, having taken over the role in September 2025 after Moira Walley-Beckett exited.
• Lisa Joy is set to direct the pilot episode and serve as an executive producer alongside Michael B. Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Jonathan Nolan, and Athena Wickham.
• The story centers on Violet, who is ordered by her mother, a military general, to join Basgiath War College and compete to become a dragon rider in the kingdom of Navarre.

Background

The 'Fourth Wing' adaptation is part of a broader trend of adapting high-fantasy and romantasy novels into television series. Amazon MGM Studios secured the rights to Rebecca Yarros’ 'Empyrean' series in 2023, signaling a long-term commitment to the property. The series is being developed by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, which has an overall series deal with Amazon. The casting of McGregor and Sakraya follows the greenlight of the series in May 2026, indicating a move toward production. The 'Empyrean' series has a dedicated fanbase, with Yarros currently working on a fourth book and a fifth planned, suggesting potential for multiple seasons if the series succeeds.

How outlets are covering it

All three sources—The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Variety—confirm the casting of Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya for the lead roles in 'Fourth Wing.' The Hollywood Reporter and Variety note that Prime Video/Amazon declined to comment on the casting, while Deadline cites sources close to production. Deadline provides additional detail on McGregor’s current filming schedule for 'Life Is Strange' and Sakraya’s role in 'One Piece' Season 3, as well as McGregor’s film credits including 'Babygirl' and 'The Room Next Door.' Variety highlights Sakraya’s German origins and credits such as 'Rhinegold' and 'Tribes of Europa.' All sources agree on the production team, including showrunner Meredith Averill and executive producers from Outlier Society, Kilter Films, and Premeditated Productions. There are no significant disagreements among the outlets, with all emphasizing the significance of the casting for the high-profile adaptation.

Why it matters

The casting of McGregor and Sakraya marks a major step in the development of 'Fourth Wing,' a highly anticipated adaptation of a best-selling fantasy series. The involvement of prominent producers like Michael B. Jordan and directors like Lisa Joy underscores Amazon’s commitment to the project. The series has the potential to become a significant hit for Prime Video, given the popularity of the source material and the strong track record of the production team. The casting also reflects the growing trend of adapting popular book series into television, with a focus on high-concept fantasy and romance. The success of 'Fourth Wing' could pave the way for further adaptations of the 'Empyrean' series, potentially spanning multiple seasons and books.

What to watch

Production for 'Fourth Wing' is expected to begin soon, with Lisa Joy directing the pilot episode. The series is planned to adapt the 'Empyrean' book series over multiple seasons, starting with 'Fourth Wing' and potentially including 'Iron Flame' and 'Onyx Storm.' The release date for the series has not been announced, but it is expected to premiere in 2027 or later. The casting of McGregor and Sakraya is a key milestone, and further casting announcements for supporting roles are likely to follow. The success of the series will depend on its ability to capture the essence of the books and appeal to both fans of the source material and new audiences.