Prime Video's 'Fourth Wing' Casts McGregor and Sakraya as Leads
Amazon Prime Video has cast Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya as the lead characters in the upcoming TV adaptation of Rebecca Yarros' 'Fourth Wing.' The series, based on the bestselling romantasy novel, is set to adapt the 'Empyrean' book series across multiple seasons.
Key points
- Esther McGregor will play Violet Sorrengail, and 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 and is part of the 'Empyrean' book series, which includes 'Iron Flame' and 'Onyx Storm.'
- Meredith Averill is the showrunner and executive producer, with Lisa Joy directing the pilot episode.
- The show is produced by Kilter Films, Outlier Society (Michael B. Jordan), and Premeditated Productions.
- Amazon declined to comment on the casting announcements.
Background
The 'Fourth Wing' TV series was ordered by Amazon in May 2026, following the acquisition of rights to the 'Empyrean' book series in 2023. The series is based on Rebecca Yarros' fantasy novels, which have gained a large following. The show is set in the brutal world of Basgiath War College, where cadets strive to become dragon riders. The series is expected to adapt the multiple books in the series over several seasons.
How outlets are covering it
Variety, Deadline, and The Hollywood Reporter all reported the casting of Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya as the leads in 'Fourth Wing.' Variety and Deadline noted that Amazon declined to comment on the casting. Deadline highlighted that Sakraya was a top choice among fans for the role of Xaden Riorson. The Hollywood Reporter provided additional details on the production team, including the involvement of Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society and the change in showrunner to Meredith Averill in September 2025. All three outlets agreed on the basic facts of the casting and the series' background.
Why it matters
The casting of McGregor and Sakraya marks a significant step in the development of the 'Fourth Wing' TV series, which is based on a highly popular book series. The involvement of high-profile producers and directors, such as Michael B. Jordan and Lisa Joy, indicates Amazon's commitment to the project. The series has the potential to become a major hit for Prime Video, given the strong fan base of the books.
What to watch
The next steps for the 'Fourth Wing' series will likely include the announcement of additional cast members, the start of filming, and the release of the pilot episode. The series is expected to adapt the 'Empyrean' book series over multiple seasons, with the fourth and fifth books yet to be released.
- ‘Fourth Wing’ TV Series Casts Emilio Sakraya as Xaden Riorson Variety
- ‘Fourth Wing’ Finds Its Violet & Xaden: Esther McGregor & Emilio Sakraya To Lead Prime Video Series Deadline
- ‘Fourth Wing’ Series: Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya Cast as Violet and Xaden The Hollywood Reporter
- Fourth Wing TV Show Cast Revealed: See Who Will Be Playing Violet and Xaden E! News
- ‘Fourth Wing’ TV Series Finds Its Violet & Xaden: Meet the Leads IMDb
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