Romantasy, the genre that blends epic fantasy worlds with swoon-worthy romance, is no longer just dominating BookTok and bestseller lists. Hollywood has officially caught on. From dragon-riding academies to villain romances and magical wars, studios like Amazon MGM, Netflix, Paramount, and Legendary Entertainment are actively developing romantasy novels for the screen.
Contents
Below is a confirmed, up-to-date list of romantasy books being adapted into movies or TV shows, based on official studio announcements and industry trade reporting.
| Book Image | Book / Series Name | Author | On-Screen Format | Studio / Streamer | Adaptation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Series) | Rebecca Yarros | TV Series | Amazon MGM Studios / Outlier Society | In development |
 | Powerless (Powerless Trilogy) | Lauren Roberts | TV Series | Amazon MGM Studios | In development |
 | Assistant to the Villain | Hannah Nicole Maehrer | TV Series | Legendary Television | In development |
 | Shield of Sparrows | Devney Perry | Feature Film | Amazon MGM Studios | In development |
 | Obsidian (Lux Series) | Jennifer L. Armentrout | TV Series | Amazon MGM Studios | In development |
 | Alchemy of Secrets | Stephanie Garber | TV Series | Universal Television | In development |
 | Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy Series) | Callie Hart | Feature Film | Netflix | In development |
 | Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment) | Rebecca Ross | Feature Film | Paramount Pictures | In development |
 | Alchemised | SenLinYu | Feature Film | Legendary Entertainment | In development |
 | Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series) | Raven Kennedy | TV Series | Mandalay Television | In development |
 | A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) | Sarah J. Maas | TV Series | Hulu / 20th Television | Cancelled (2025) |
Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros
Format: TV Series
Studio: Amazon MGM Studios / Outlier Society
Not long after Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing exploded across BookTok and bestseller lists following its release in May 2023, the novel was officially optioned for a television series adaptation. The announcement came just ahead of the publication of the second book in The Empyrean series, Iron Flame, which arrived in November 2023 and further cemented the series as a global phenomenon.
The adaptation is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios, with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society attached as the production company. From the start, the project has been positioned as a long-form television series rather than a film, reflecting both the scope of the worldbuilding and the multi-book structure of the story.
Development status
As of now, the Fourth Wing TV series remains in early development, but progress has been steady since the initial announcement. Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that the adaptation will be based on The Empyrean series, not just the first novel, allowing room for multiple seasons if the show is greenlit beyond its debut.
In late September, industry sources reported that Meredith Averill — executive producer on Wednesday season two — entered final negotiations to join the project as writer and executive producer. Prior to this, Moira Walley-Beckett (Breaking Bad, Anne with an E) had been attached as showrunner, though later reports indicated that Amazon MGM Studios also held discussions with Jac Schaeffer (WandaVision, Agatha All Along) regarding creative leadership.
At this stage, no casting announcements or filming dates have been made public.
Who is behind the adaptation?
- Studio: Amazon MGM Studios
- Production company: Outlier Society (Michael B. Jordan)
- Creative roles: Writer and executive producer negotiations ongoing
- Author involvement: Rebecca Yarros has publicly supported the adaptation
The involvement of Outlier Society signals a high-profile production approach, while Amazon MGM’s continued investment in fantasy television places Fourth Wing among its priority genre projects.
What is Fourth Wing about?
Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old who is forced to abandon her intended future as a Scribe when her mother — a powerful general in the military of Navarre — orders her to enter Basgiath War College, an elite and brutally unforgiving academy for dragon riders.
Basgiath operates under a simple rule: graduate or die. Cadets are pushed beyond physical and mental limits as they attempt to bond with dragons — a process that many do not survive. As Violet navigates the dangers of training, she must also survive political rivalries, shifting alliances, and the intense tension between herself, her childhood friend Dain Aetos, and the enigmatic and dangerous Xaden Riorson.
Notably, Violet lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that the author herself has. The condition plays a significant role in Violet’s characterization and challenges, and has been widely praised for its representation within fantasy.
Is Fourth Wing part of a series?
Yes. Fourth Wing is the first book in The Empyrean series, which is planned as a five-book arc.
- Fourth Wing — May 2023
- Iron Flame — November 2023
- Onyx Storm — January 21, 2025
Amazon MGM Studios has reportedly considered adapting each book as its own season, depending on the success of the first installment. This approach would allow the show to follow the structure of the novels closely while expanding on character arcs and worldbuilding.
What happens next?
At present, Fourth Wing is firmly categorized as in development. That means:
- The rights have been secured
- Creative leadership is being finalized
- No cast, filming start date, or release window has been announced
Updates are expected as development progresses, especially as Amazon continues expanding its slate of fantasy and genre television.
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Powerless — Lauren Roberts
Format: TV Series
Studio: Amazon MGM Studios
Lauren Roberts’s Powerless is officially being adapted into a television series at Amazon MGM Studios, as Prime Video continues to expand its slate of young adult and romantasy adaptations. The project marks another step in Amazon’s strategy of blending romance-driven storytelling with high-stakes fantasy worlds, following the success of series like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Maxton Hall, and The Rings of Power.
Powerless is based on Roberts’s bestselling YA trilogy:
- Powerless (2023)
- Reckless (2024)
- Fearless (2025)
The first season of the TV series is expected to adapt the first novel.
Development and creative team
The series is being developed by Daphne Ferraro, who serves as creator and showrunner. Ferraro previously worked as head writer on the first season of Maxton Hall, which became Amazon MGM Studios’ biggest international original series launch to date. Her involvement signals a strong focus on character-driven storytelling and romance-forward pacing.
Production companies Olive Bridge (Will Gluck’s banner) and Lyrical Media acquired the rights to Roberts’s trilogy and are producing the series. Ferraro executive produces alongside:
- Will Gluck
- Madison Jones
- Jacqueline Monetta
- Alex Black
- Jon Rosenberg
- Natalie Sellers
Lauren Roberts herself is also attached as an executive producer, ensuring author involvement throughout the adaptation process.
As of now, Powerless remains in active development, with no casting announcements or release date publicly confirmed.
What is Powerless about?
Powerless is set in the kingdom of Ilya, a society ruled by the Elites — individuals gifted with extraordinary powers. Those born without abilities, known as Ordinaries, are hunted, oppressed, and often executed by the ruling class.
The story follows Paedyn Gray, a powerless Ordinary who has survived for years as a thief in the slums, hiding her identity after the King ordered her father’s execution. Paedyn’s carefully constructed anonymity shatters when she accidentally saves the life of Prince Kai, the King’s second son and a feared enforcer tasked with hunting Ordinaries.
Her actions thrust her into the Purging Trials, a brutal and highly public competition designed to showcase elite power and loyalty to the crown. The trials promise glory, riches, and survival, but also place Paedyn directly in the spotlight she has spent her life avoiding.
As Paedyn struggles to survive challenges stacked against her, a dangerous and forbidden connection begins to form between her and Prince Kai. Their growing bond, unthinkable in a society built on power and persecution, becomes as threatening as the trials themselves.
Series structure and adaptation plans
The adaptation is designed as a long-form television series, allowing room to explore the political hierarchy of Ilya, the brutality of the Purging Trials, and the slow-burn romance at the heart of the story.
Industry reporting indicates that:
- Season one will follow the events of Powerless
- Future seasons could adapt Reckless and Fearless if the show is renewed
- The series is intended to balance fantasy action with romance and emotional tension
Success of the source material
Roberts’s debut novel Powerless spent 19 weeks at #1 on the New York Times Young Adult Bestseller List. Fueled by viral popularity on BookTok and BookTube, the book sold over one million copies within its first nine months and went on to win the Barnes & Noble 2023 YA Book Award.
The trilogy’s rapid rise and dedicated fanbase played a major role in its swift transition from page to screen.
Current status
At present:
- The adaptation is confirmed and in development
- The creative team is attached
- No casting, filming start date, or release window has been announced
Updates are expected as Amazon MGM Studios continues building out its romantasy television lineup.
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Assistant to the Villain — Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Format: TV Series
Studio: Legendary Television
Assistant to the Villain, the viral romantasy debut by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, is officially being adapted for television after Legendary Television acquired the screen rights following a competitive auction. The project marks another major BookTok-to-screen success story and reflects the growing demand for romance-forward fantasy with humor and morally gray characters.
Published on August 29, 2023, by Red Tower Books, an imprint of Entangled Publishing, Assistant to the Villain is the first novel in Maehrer’s romantasy universe and quickly became a breakout hit.
Development and production details
Legendary Television is developing Assistant to the Villain as a TV series, with the project currently in early development. Hannah Nicole Maehrer is attached as an executive producer, alongside:
- Liz Pelletier for Entangled Publishing
- Sharon Hall via Mom de Guerre
The adaptation is being positioned as a serialized television project, allowing room to expand on the book’s workplace dynamics, romantic tension, and mystery elements.
As of now, no casting announcements, writers’ room details, or release timeline have been made public.
Origins of the story
Before becoming a bestselling novel, Assistant to the Villain began its life as a series of viral TikTok videos, with Maehrer herself starring as the title character. Her short-form content resonated widely, helping build an audience long before the book’s publication.
Maehrer’s TikTok presence — with hundreds of thousands of followers and tens of millions of likes — played a significant role in driving early interest in the novel and ultimately in its adaptation deal.
What is Assistant to the Villain about?
The story follows Evie Sage, a young woman struggling to support her ailing family. Desperate for steady work, Evie accepts a position as the assistant to the most infamous Villain in the land — a feared and powerful figure whose name alone strikes terror across the realm.
The job, however, turns out to be far more complicated than expected.
As Evie settles into her role, she finds herself navigating:
- Office politics within a villainous empire
- A temperamental, terrifying, and unexpectedly alluring boss
- A growing suspicion that someone within the organization is plotting sabotage
As Evie investigates the threat from inside the villain’s ranks, she must balance loyalty, survival, and a dangerous emotional connection that could cost her everything.
The novel has been described as “The Office meets The Princess Bride,” blending romantic comedy elements with fantasy tropes and a mystery-driven plot.
Reception and success
Upon release, Assistant to the Villain debuted at #2 on the New York Times Bestseller List for Fiction, second only to Fourth Wing. Translation rights have since been sold in more than a dozen territories, highlighting the story’s global appeal.
The novel’s success helped further establish Red Tower Books as a major force in romantasy publishing. Entangled Publishing’s Red Tower imprint has since become a fixture on bestseller lists, with multiple titles now moving toward screen adaptation.
Current status
At present:
- The TV adaptation is confirmed
- Legendary Television holds the rights
- The project is in development
- No cast or release date has been announced
Updates are expected as development progresses, and additional creative talent is attached.
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Shield of Sparrows — Devney Perry
Format: Movie
Studio: Amazon MGM Studios
Shield of Sparrows, the upcoming romantasy novel by Devney Perry, is officially being adapted into a feature film, with development underway at Amazon MGM Studios. The project is being launched under Amazon MGM’s first-look deal with Premeditated Productions, marking another high-profile romantasy property moving from page to screen.
The novel is scheduled for publication on May 6 under Entangled Publishing’s Red Tower imprint, a label that has rapidly become one of the most influential forces in the romantasy genre.
Development and creative team
The film adaptation is being written by Derek Kolstad, the creator of the John Wick franchise and writer of Nobody. Kolstad’s involvement positions Shield of Sparrows as a feature-length project with a strong emphasis on action, tension, and cinematic scope.
Production is being handled by Premeditated Productions, with:
- Liz Pelletier, Publisher and CEO of Entangled Publishing
- Sherryl Clark, former President of Bad Robot (Cloverfield, The Gorge)
both attached as producers under the newly launched banner. Cayla Tyne is overseeing development on behalf of DOD.
Devney Perry and Derek Kolstad are attached as executive producers, ensuring both author involvement and creative continuity from page to screen.
At this stage, the project is officially categorized as in development, with no casting or release timeline announced.
What is Shield of Sparrows about?
Shield of Sparrows is described as a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy set in a cursed realm plagued by monsters, political intrigue, and forbidden alliances.
The story follows a forgotten princess who has spent her life constrained by expectation and secrecy. As danger closes in and enemies threaten the realm, she is forced to step out of the shadows — tearing off her crown and embracing a role she was never meant to play.
The novel blends:
- Enemies-to-lovers romance
- Dark fantasy elements
- A warrior’s journey of self-discovery
- High emotional and physical stakes
Romance and survival are tightly interwoven, with relationships tested against looming catastrophe.
Early reception and momentum
Even before publication, Shield of Sparrows has generated significant buzz. The book launched with a six-figure initial print run and received an influx of five-star reviews from early readers, mirroring the breakout trajectory of other Red Tower successes.
Industry observers have compared its early momentum to titles like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, both of which became global bestsellers and secured screen adaptations.
The Amazon MGM deal further signals confidence in the property’s crossover potential, positioning Shield of Sparrows as both a publishing and film event.
About the author
Devney Perry is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and #1 Amazon bestselling author, best known for her romance series The Edens. That series is currently in development for television at CBS Studios, underscoring Perry’s growing presence in screen adaptation spaces.
Current status
At present:
- The feature film adaptation is confirmed
- Amazon MGM Studios and Premeditated Productions are developing the project
- Derek Kolstad is attached as screenwriter
- The project remains in development, with no casting or release date announced
Further updates are expected as the novel releases and development continues.
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Obsidian (Lux Series) — Jennifer L. Armentrout
Format: TV Series
Studio: Amazon MGM Studios
Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series, beginning with Obsidian, is officially being adapted into a television series at Amazon MGM Studios. The project brings one of the most successful paranormal romance series of the 2010s to the screen, as studios continue to mine established romantasy and paranormal fantasy properties with built-in global fanbases.
The adaptation is based on Armentrout’s bestselling book series published by Entangled Publishing, and is being developed as a serialized television project.
Development and creative team
Amazon MGM Studios has tapped Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders to serve as showrunners, writers, and executive producers on the Lux TV series. The duo are best known for their work on Smallville, where they oversaw the final three seasons, as well as Beauty & the Beast, The Hot Zone, and Salem.
Production is being handled under Premeditated Productions, which holds a three-year first-look film and television deal with Amazon MGM Studios. Liz Pelletier, founder and CEO of Entangled Publishing, will executive produce alongside Sherryl Clark, Premeditated’s co-founder and former President of Bad Robot.
Additional executive producers include:
- Julie Jarmon, SVP of Television at Premeditated (co-executive producer)
- Jennifer L. Armentrout, who is directly involved in the adaptation as an executive producer
At present, the series is officially classified as in development, with no casting announcements or production dates confirmed.
What is Obsidian / the Lux series about?
The Lux series follows Katy Swartz, a seventeen-year-old who moves with her mother to a quiet town in West Virginia following her father’s death. Katy soon discovers that her neighbors — siblings Daemon and Dee Black — are not what they appear to be.
Daemon and Dee are members of the Luxen, a powerful alien race hiding in plain sight among humans. After Daemon saves Katy’s life by healing her with alien abilities, an irreversible bond forms between them, pulling Katy into a hidden world of supernatural danger, government surveillance, and escalating interspecies conflict.
As Katy becomes increasingly entangled in the Luxen world, her growing relationship with Daemon evolves into a forbidden romance that threatens to ignite a war capable of destroying both human and alien communities.
The series blends:
- Paranormal romance
- Alien mythology
- High-school dynamics
- Government conspiracies and supernatural threats
Success of the book series
Originally published between 2011 and 2015, the Lux series has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. Recent deluxe reissues of the first two books returned the series to the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, introducing the story to a new generation of readers.
Jennifer L. Armentrout is the author of 70+ novels across multiple genres and has been published in 18 territories. On TikTok, content related to her books has amassed hundreds of millions of views, highlighting the enduring popularity of her work and its relevance in today’s BookTok-driven market.
Series outlook
The Lux adaptation is designed for long-form television, allowing the story to explore:
- The evolving mythology of the Luxen
- The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance between Katy and Daemon
- The expanding scope of alien-human conflict
With multiple books in the series, the project offers significant multi-season potential should the first season move forward.
Current status
As of now:
- The Lux TV series is confirmed
- Amazon MGM Studios is developing the project
- Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders are attached as showrunners
- Jennifer L. Armentrout is involved as executive producer
- No casting or release date has been announced
Further updates are expected as development continues.
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Alchemy of Secrets — Stephanie Garber
Format: TV Series
Studio: Universal Television
Alchemy of Secrets, the latest novel by Stephanie Garber, is officially being adapted into a television drama series at Universal Television, with Julie Plec attached to develop the project. The adaptation brings one of Garber’s most personal and contemporary fantasy stories to the screen, blending magic, mystery, and romance within a modern-day setting.
The series is based on Garber’s newly released novel, which immediately attracted interest from studios and sparked a competitive bidding process for the screen rights.
Development and creative team
The adaptation is being developed by Julie Plec, best known for creating The Vampire Diaries universe and most recently for Prime Video’s We Were Liars. Plec will write and executive produce the series alongside her producing partner Emily Cummins under My So-Called Company, which currently holds an overall deal with Universal Television.
Stephanie Garber is directly involved in the adaptation and will serve as an executive producer, ensuring continuity between the novel and its on-screen interpretation.
Universal Studio Group’s Creative Acquisitions and IP Management team secured the rights to Alchemy of Secrets through a competitive bidding process, signaling strong early confidence in the property’s adaptation potential.
At present, the project is officially classified as in development, with no casting announcements or release timeline confirmed.
What is Alchemy of Secrets about?
Alchemy of Secrets follows Holland St. James, a young woman who is told by a mysterious local legend known as the Watch Man that she will die the next day — unless she can locate an ancient artifact called the Alchemical Heart.
With time running out, Holland plunges into a hidden magical world woven into the fabric of Los Angeles, uncovering long-buried secrets, forgotten magic, and a web of clues that draw her closer to the truth behind the artifact.
Along the way, Holland encounters a magnetic stranger whose presence complicates both her mission and her emotions. As they chase the Alchemical Heart through the city, trust becomes increasingly difficult, and Holland must decide who to believe — and whether the artifact can truly save her life.
The story blends:
- Contemporary fantasy
- Time-sensitive mystery
- Romantic tension
- Mythology hidden within the modern world
Author and creator statements
Stephanie Garber has spoken publicly about how important this adaptation is to her, describing Alchemy of Secrets as the book she most hoped to see brought to screen. She praised Universal Television for its early enthusiasm and highlighted her long-standing admiration for Julie Plec’s work, noting that Plec’s storytelling helped shape her own writing style.
Julie Plec, in turn, described the novel as a romantic and emotionally rich story filled with magic and deeply layered characters, emphasizing her excitement to bring Garber’s vision of Los Angeles to life.
About the creative team
Julie Plec’s production company, My So-Called Company, recently saw the renewal of its Prime Video YA mystery series We Were Liars for a second season. The company is also developing the tennis academy drama Rally for Prime Video, in collaboration with Andre Agassi and Entertainment 360.
Plec is best known for overseeing The Vampire Diaries franchise, which ran for over 13 years and produced more than 300 episodes of television, making her one of the most experienced showrunners in romance-driven genre television.
Stephanie Garber is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, internationally recognized for the Caraval series and Once Upon a Broken Heart. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and Alchemy of Secrets represents her most contemporary fantasy to date.
Current status
As of now:
- The TV adaptation is confirmed
- Universal Television is developing the series
- Julie Plec is attached as developer, writer, and executive producer
- Stephanie Garber is involved as executive producer
- No casting or release date has been announced
Further updates are expected as development progresses.
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Quicksilver — Callie Hart
Format: Movie
Studio: Netflix
Quicksilver, the breakout fantasy romance novel by Callie Hart, is officially being adapted for the screen after Netflix optioned the rights in a highly competitive deal reportedly worth seven figures. The project marks another major BookTok-driven romantasy acquisition and positions Quicksilver as a potential feature film franchise for the streaming platform.
The novel is the first installment in Hart’s Fae & Alchemy series and became a viral sensation shortly after publication.
Development and production details
Netflix secured the screen rights to Quicksilver following a heated bidding process. The adaptation is being developed as a feature film, with Elizabeth Cantillon producing through The Cantillon Company.
Callie Hart is attached as an executive producer, ensuring author involvement throughout the adaptation. The deal was brokered by WME, which also handled the sale of the book’s publishing rights.
As of now, the project is officially categorized as in development, with no director, cast, or release date announced.
What is Quicksilver about?
Quicksilver follows Saeris Fane, a twenty-four-year-old human who has spent years hiding both her identity and her dangerous abilities. Living under the rule of the Undying Queen, Saeris survives by stealing from the Queen’s magical reservoirs — and by keeping her true powers secret.
Everything changes when Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, triggering the reopening of a long-sealed gateway between realms. She is violently transported to a frozen, unfamiliar world where the Fae, once believed to be nothing more than myth and nightmare, are very real.
Stranded in the icy land of Yvelia, Saeris becomes the first human to enter the realm in over a thousand years. In the chaos, she mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a powerful and enigmatic Fae warrior whose motives are as dangerous as his charm. Bound by magic and circumstance, the two are forced into an uneasy alliance.
As Saeris’s Alchemist magic becomes central to a centuries-old conflict, she must navigate political intrigue, escalating violence, and a volatile attraction that threatens both their lives. Kingfisher’s past is riddled with secrets, his loyalty is uncertain, and he may be the only way Saeris can survive long enough to return home.
Success of the novel and series potential
Upon release, Quicksilver became a #1 bestseller on Amazon, driven largely by viral success on TikTok, where mentions of the book amassed over three million views within its first two months.
The novel’s popularity sparked a major publishing auction:
- U.S. publishing rights to the trilogy were sold to Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
- U.K. rights were acquired by Hodderscape
- Translation rights have been sold in 24 languages
The book will be re-released in paperback on December 3, 2024, with a deluxe hardcover edition planned for summer 2025. Hart has confirmed plans for a three-book arc, with the second installment scheduled for publication in fall 2025.
About the creative team
Producer Elizabeth Cantillon has extensive experience adapting romance-forward stories for screen. Her credits include executive producing Alien: Romulus, Netflix’s Persuasion starring Dakota Johnson, and multiple high-profile adaptations currently in development, including Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale.
Callie Hart is the author of several successful romance and fantasy series, including Blood & Roses and Dirty Nasty Freaks. Her transition from BookTok success to a major Netflix adaptation reflects the growing influence of reader-driven platforms in shaping Hollywood development slates.
Current status
As of now:
- The Quicksilver adaptation is confirmed
- Netflix holds the screen rights
- The project is planned as a feature film
- Callie Hart is involved as executive producer
- No cast or release date has been announced
Further updates are expected as development progresses.
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Alchemised — SenLinYu
Format: Movie
Studio: Legendary Entertainment
Alchemised, the dark romantasy debut novel by SenLinYu, is officially being adapted into a feature film after Legendary Entertainment acquired the movie rights in a high-profile, preemptive deal. According to industry sources, the agreement exceeded $3 million, making it one of the most expensive book-to-film rights acquisitions in recent years, particularly for a debut novel.
The deal was structured as an outright purchase rather than a traditional option, with Legendary moving quickly to suppress competition and secure the rights before a broader bidding war could unfold.
Development and acquisition details
Legendary Entertainment’s acquisition of Alchemised comes amid a period of renewed momentum for the studio, following its output deal with Paramount and the near-billion-dollar success of A Minecraft Movie. While Legendary declined to comment on the exact terms of the deal, multiple sources described it as one of the most significant book-to-screen purchases in recent memory.
At present, the film adaptation is classified as in development, with no creative team, casting, or release timeline announced.
Origins of the novel
Before becoming an original romantasy novel, Alchemised began its life as fan fiction, rooted in the Harry Potter fandom and specifically the Dramione pairing — a subgenre focused on the forbidden relationship between Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy.
SenLinYu is a well-known and highly influential figure in fan fiction spaces. Their previous work, Manacled, a dark reimagining inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale, amassed:
- Over 10 million views on Archive of Our Own
- More than 100,000 five-star ratings on Goodreads
Across platforms, SenLinYu’s collected works have generated over 20 million individual downloads and have been translated into 23 languages, long before transitioning into traditional publishing.
What is Alchemised about?
Alchemised is set in an alternate fantasy world ruled by necromancers and powerful, corrupt guild families. The story centers on Helena Marino, an alchemist and healer who harbors forgotten memories — secrets buried deep within her mind that may be tied to the fate of the realm itself.
Helena is sent to the decaying estate of a feared necromancer, who is tasked with probing her lost memories. As Helena struggles to protect what remains of her identity, she becomes trapped in a dangerous psychological and emotional battle with her captor — one filled with manipulation, hidden histories, and forbidden knowledge.
The novel explores:
- Dark magic and necromancy
- Identity, memory, and self-preservation
- Power dynamics between captor and captive
- Romance woven through moral ambiguity
As the story unfolds, Helena discovers that both her prison and her captor are steeped in secrets of their own — secrets she may be forced to uncover, no matter the cost.
Publishing details and early attention
Alchemised is being published by Del Rey, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and is scheduled for release on September 23, launching with a first print run of 750,000 copies. Translation rights have already been sold in 21 languages, signaling strong international demand.
The novel has received early coverage from major outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Today, Bustle, and Business Insider, even before its official release.
Author response
In a statement following the announcement, SenLinYu expressed gratitude for Legendary’s enthusiasm, saying they were honored by the studio’s commitment and excited to see the world of Alchemised brought to life on screen.
SenLinYu, who identifies as they/them, began writing fan fiction while raising their family, often drafting stories in the Notes app on their phone during their child’s nap time. Their transition from fan fiction icon to traditionally published author — and now to a major Hollywood adaptation — mirrors past industry-shaping moments such as Fifty Shades of Grey.
Current status
As of now:
- The Alchemised film adaptation is confirmed
- Legendary Entertainment owns the movie rights
- The deal exceeded $3 million
- The project is in development
- No director, cast, or release date has been announced
Further updates are expected as Legendary begins assembling the creative team.
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Divine Rivals — Rebecca Ross
Format: Movie
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Divine Rivals, the bestselling fantasy romance novel by Rebecca Ross, is officially being adapted into a feature film after Paramount Pictures won the screen rights in a highly competitive, multi-studio bidding war. The adaptation marks another major romantasy acquisition by a major Hollywood studio, following the novel’s viral success and long-standing presence on bestseller lists.
The film is based on the first book in Ross’s Letters of Enchantment duology, which debuted in April 2023, followed by its sequel Ruthless Vows in December 2023.
Development and creative team
Paramount has enlisted Sofia Alvarez to write the screenplay for the film adaptation. Alvarez is best known for adapting Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before novels into Netflix’s hit film trilogy, and for making her directorial debut with the Sarah Dessen adaptation Along for the Ride.
The film is being produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura under his first-look deal with Paramount, alongside Pouya Shahbazian, whose previous credits include Divergent and Allegiant. Rebecca Ross is attached as an executive producer, ensuring author involvement throughout the adaptation process.
At present, Divine Rivals is officially classified as in development, with no casting announcements or release date confirmed.
What is Divine Rivals about?
Set against the backdrop of an ancient and devastating war between rival gods, Divine Rivals follows Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt, two competing journalists working at the same newspaper. Initially adversaries in both ambition and temperament, the pair unknowingly begin writing letters to one another through an enchanted typewriter, unaware of each other’s true identities.
As the war escalates and the world around them fractures, the anonymous correspondence deepens into an emotional and romantic connection. What begins as rivalry slowly transforms into intimacy, trust, and love — even as the gods’ conflict threatens to tear everything apart.
The story blends:
- Romantic rivals-to-lovers tension
- Epistolary storytelling
- Mythological warfare
- Emotional intimacy shaped by secrecy and loss
Success of the series
The Letters of Enchantment series has spent over 125 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has sold more than one million copies worldwide. The duology also earned a Goodreads Choice Award, cementing its status as a reader favorite.
Rebecca Ross’s broader body of work includes A River Enchanted, A Fire Endless, and The Queen’s Resistance, with translations available in 27 languages. Her next novel, A Wild Reverence, is scheduled for release on September 2, 2025.
BookTok and fan response
Divine Rivals gained significant traction on BookTok, where readers praised its emotional depth, romantic tension, and lyrical writing. Viral fan content and recommendations played a major role in expanding the book’s audience beyond traditional fantasy readers and into mainstream romance spaces.
Industry insiders have cited this organic, fan-driven momentum as a key factor in Paramount’s aggressive pursuit of the rights.
Current status
As of now:
- The Divine Rivals film adaptation is confirmed
- Paramount Pictures holds the screen rights
- Sofia Alvarez is attached as screenwriter
- Rebecca Ross is involved as executive producer
- No cast or release date has been announced
Further updates are expected as development progresses.
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Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series) — Raven Kennedy
Format: TV Series
Studio: Mandalay Television
Gild, the first novel in Raven Kennedy’s Plated Prisoner series, is officially being developed as a television series adaptation by Mandalay Television. The project has been in development since late 2022 and gained significant traction in March 2025, when an experienced showrunner was attached, signaling forward momentum for the adaptation.
The Plated Prisoner series has become one of the most recognizable romantasy properties to emerge from the BookTok era, reimagining the myth of King Midas through a darker, romance-forward lens.
Development and creative team
Mandalay Television, a division of Mandalay Entertainment founded by veteran producer Peter Guber, is developing the adaptation and is preparing to take the project to market to networks and streaming platforms.
Kate Rorick has been attached as showrunner and executive producer. Rorick previously served as showrunner on Leverage: Redemption and has written on series including The Librarians and Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, bringing experience in both genre storytelling and long-form television structure.
The project is being overseen internally by Mandalay Television development executive Vanessa Johnston. At this stage, no platform, casting, or production timeline has been announced, and the series is officially categorized as in development.
What is Gild / The Plated Prisoner series about?
The Plated Prisoner series offers a dark reinterpretation of the King Midas myth, exploring themes of control, devotion, power, and self-liberation.
The story centers on Auren, a twenty-five-year-old woman who has been “gold-touched” by King Midas. Her skin, hair, and body are entirely gold, leaving only the whites of her eyes and her teeth untouched. Believing Midas saved her life, Auren lives in a gilded cage atop his castle, convinced that safety and love are worth the price of confinement.
That illusion begins to fracture when a political deal shatters her trust in the one person she believed would never betray her. Forced beyond the walls of her cage, Auren is confronted with a brutal outside world — and the unsettling realization that the King Midas she loves may not be who she thought he was.
The series blends:
- Dark romantasy
- Mythological retellings
- Captivity and power dynamics
- Slow-burn romantic tension
- A heroine’s journey toward autonomy and self-discovery
Publication history and series scope
The Plated Prisoner series consists of six books:
- Gild (2020)
- Glint (2021)
- Gleam (2021)
- Glow (2022)
- Gold (2023)
- Goldfinch (2024)
Originally self-published, the series steadily gained traction before becoming a viral success on BookTok and Instagram’s book community, where its dark themes and morally complex characters resonated strongly with romantasy readers.
Momentum and adaptation outlook
The attachment of a showrunner marks a key step forward for the adaptation, suggesting that Mandalay Television is positioning Gild as a long-form television project capable of sustaining multiple seasons.
With six books available, the series offers substantial narrative runway, allowing for:
- Extended character arcs
- Gradual romantic development
- Escalating political and mythological stakes
Industry interest in romantasy adaptations continues to grow, and Gild is well positioned as a darker, more psychologically driven counterpart to dragon academies and epic battle-centric fantasy series.
Current status
As of now:
- The Gild / Plated Prisoner TV adaptation is confirmed
- Mandalay Television is developing the series
- Kate Rorick is attached as showrunner and executive producer
- No network, streamer, cast, or release date has been announced
- The project remains in development, with further updates expected as it is taken to market
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A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Adaptation
No romantasy adaptation list would be complete without A Court of Thorns and Roses — even though, at the moment, its screen future is uncertain.
For years, ACOTAR was considered the inevitable romantasy TV hit. The series, written by Sarah J. Maas, helped define the modern romantasy boom: fae courts, enemies-to-lovers romance, morally gray love interests, and sprawling fantasy politics. Naturally, Hollywood came calling.
The Original Plan: Hulu’s ACOTAR Series
Back in 2021, it was officially announced that Hulu and 20th Television were developing a TV adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses. The project was led by Ronald D. Moore, the showrunner behind Outlander — a choice that immediately reassured fans, given his experience adapting romance-heavy fantasy and historical epics.
For a while, things looked promising:
- The adaptation was planned as a long-running TV series
- Sarah J. Maas was reportedly involved
- ACOTAR’s episodic structure made it a natural fit for streaming
Fans speculated endlessly about casting, episode structure, and which book would dominate season one.
What Went Wrong — and Why the Show Was Cancelled
In early 2025, multiple entertainment outlets confirmed what many fans feared:
The Hulu ACOTAR series was officially scrapped.
Several factors contributed to the cancellation:
- Ronald D. Moore exited the project during development
- The series spent years in “development hell” without casting or a production timeline
- Shifts in streaming strategy led studios to re-evaluate high-budget fantasy projects
By February 2025, Hulu confirmed it was no longer moving forward with the adaptation. No filming ever began, and no cast was attached.
Is ACOTAR Dead Forever?
Not necessarily — but it’s not actively happening either.
Here’s the current situation:
- The Hulu version is officially cancelled
- There is no active movie or TV adaptation in development
- Rights are expected to eventually revert back to Sarah J. Maas and her team
In Hollywood terms, ACOTAR is best described as being in adaptation limbo — not greenlit, not revived, and not currently shopped to a new streamer (at least publicly).
That said, the demand has not disappeared.
ACOTAR remains one of the most-read romantasy series in the world, and the continued success of adaptations like Fourth Wing, Powerless, and Assistant to the Villain only strengthens the case that studios may revisit it in the future.
Current Status Summary (ACOTAR)
- Book series: A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- Original adaptation: Hulu / 20th Television (TV series)
- Status: Cancelled (as of February 2025)
Future prospects: Uncertain, but possible re-development elsewhere
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Why Romantasy Is Hollywood’s Next Big Obsession
Studios are betting big on romantasy because it offers:
- Built-in fandoms from BookTok and Goodreads
- Long series potential for streaming platforms
- Romance-driven plots that appeal beyond traditional fantasy audiences
However, it’s important to remember: “in development” does not guarantee release. Projects can be delayed, reworked, or canceled — but rights acquisition is the strongest signal that studios believe these stories can succeed on screen.
Read Before You Watch
If you’re a romantasy fan, now is the perfect time to read these books before they hit screens. Adaptations often spark massive reprints, fandom discourse, and spoiler culture — and reading first is half the fun.
DEVASTATED about them cancelling ACOTAR, as I was so excited bc I knew the creators of Outlander would’ve done an impeccable job
Feel the same way! Ronald D. Moore did a fantastic job bringing Outlander to the screen and staying true to the books