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Prime Video Casts McGregor and Sakraya as Leads in 'Fourth Wing' Adaptation
Prime Video has cast Esther McGregor as Violet Sorrengail and Emilio Sakraya as Xaden Riorson in its television adaptation of Rebecca Yarros' bestselling novel 'Fourth Wing.' The series, greenlit in May 2025 with showrunner Meredith Averill, is the first adaptation of the five-book Empyrean series, with potential for further seasons if successful.
Quick Facts
- Prime Video casts leads for 'Fourth Wing' TV adaptation
- Esther McGregor cast as Violet Sorrengail
- Emilio Sakraya cast as Xaden Riorson
- Series set in Basgiath War College
- Violet forced to become dragon rider instead of Scribe
Prime Video has announced the lead casting for its television adaptation of Rebecca Yarros' bestselling novel 'Fourth Wing.' Esther McGregor will portray Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old forced by her mother, General Lilith Sorrengail, to abandon her expected path as a Scribe and instead join Basgiath War College to become a dragon rider. Emilio Sakraya will play Xaden Riorson, a mysterious cadet and descendant of a rebellious sect who wields shadow powers. The characters follow an enemies-turned-lovers narrative arc throughout the story.
McGregor, known for 'We Were Liars' and 'Babygirl,' and Sakraya, recognized for roles in 'Those About to Die' and 'Warrior Nun,' were selected after Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to Yarros' Empyrean book series in 2023. The series was officially greenlit in May 2025 under showrunner and executive producer Meredith Averill, with Lisa Joy directing the pilot and serving as executive producer. The production involves Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society, Kilter Films, and Premeditated Productions.
'Fourth Wing' is set in the brutal world of Basgiath War College, where the singular rule is "graduate or die." The narrative centers on Violet's transformation from would-be historian to dragon rider candidate, with dragon bonding on Threshing Day forming the central test of survival. The Empyrean series currently comprises three published novels—'Fourth Wing' (2023), 'Iron Flame' (2023), and 'Onyx Storm' (2025)—with two additional books planned. Yarros also released a companion novella, 'Threshing Day,' featuring thirteen short stories from dragon riders' perspectives.
If the series succeeds, Amazon intends to develop adaptations of the remaining books across multiple seasons. Both McGregor and Sakraya bring busy schedules to the project; McGregor is currently filming 'Life Is Strange' for Prime Video, while Sakraya is set to appear in the third season of Netflix's 'One Piece.' Production and release dates remain unconfirmed.
Topics
Why This Matters
Prime Video's casting of leads for 'Fourth Wing' marks the first television adaptation of a five-book fantasy series, commencing production after Amazon MGM Studios acquired rights in 2023. The project involves multiple production companies and established creative talent. If the series performs commercially, Amazon has signaled intent to develop adaptations of the remaining four books across future seasons, affecting investment in fantasy television adaptation over the next 2–3 years and potentially influencing comparable genre adaptation deals.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2023
WireAmazon MGM Studios acquires rights to The Empyrean book series