We’ve seen a growing trend of fantasy books being turned into movies and TV shows lately, but there are still many fantastic stories waiting to be adapted. The success of franchises like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones demonstrates how popular and profitable well-made fantasy can be. Hollywood has been trying to replicate that success with other book adaptations, like Percy Jackson & the Olympians and The Wheel of Time, though with mixed results.
Despite frequent critical failures and cancellations, studios and streaming services continue to invest heavily in fantasy adaptations. A new film based on James Islington’s Hierarchy series was just announced, and promising projects like Prime Video’s adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and Paramount’s Divine Rivals movie are in the works. Let’s hope these make it to release, unlike so many other fantastic fantasy novels that remain unadapted, but at least they’re moving forward.
7) Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is a hugely popular fantasy author, known for epic series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, which are considered modern classics. While there’s been talk of adapting both into movies or TV shows—and a Mistborn movie was even in the works at one point—neither project has moved forward so far. Sanderson recently told Polygon he’s happy to wait until the timing and circumstances are just right.
It’s disappointing that a movie or TV show based on Mistborn hasn’t happened yet. The books are very visually rich, with plenty of action and a unique magic system built around metal, which would make for a really exciting on-screen experience. The story’s themes of power and oppression are still very timely, even though the first book, The Final Empire, came out in 2006. Plus, Mistborn is a great entry point for new fantasy readers, so an adaptation could attract both dedicated fans and a wider audience.
6) Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings is a sprawling 16-book series that would be perfect for a television adaptation. Its length offers ample opportunity for expansion, potentially launching a larger franchise with sequels and spin-offs. At the very least, the first book, Assassin’s Apprentice, deserves to be adapted. The complete Farseer Trilogy is a fantasy cornerstone, and is just as deserving of attention as popular series like A Song of Ice and Fire and The Wheel of Time.
Adapting Assassin’s Apprentice and its sequels would be difficult because the story depends so much on what the main character, Fitz Farseer, is thinking. A movie or TV show would need to find clever ways to show his inner thoughts, which are the best part of the books. If they could do that, it would be very emotionally powerful – something that’s missing from a lot of fantasy shows and movies these days.
5) The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Like Game of Thrones, Scott Lynch’s The Lies of Locke Lamora would be a great story to adapt for television or film. The first book focuses on building a gritty world and complex characters, with fantastical elements growing more important in later installments. This approach would allow a show or movie series to start small and gradually increase its scope and special effects as it goes, reducing the risk of cancellation. Plus, just like Game of Thrones, the story has plenty of surprising events and heartbreaking moments right from the beginning to capture viewers’ attention.
The intricate heist story in The Lies of Locke Lamora would make a great movie or TV series. It’s surprising it hasn’t been adapted yet, considering how popular the book is. The only real hurdle is that the book series isn’t complete, but that could be resolved by the time someone decides to make an adaptation.
4) The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
M.L. Wang’s fantasy novel, The Sword of Kaigen, deserves more attention, and would make a great movie or miniseries. Unlike many fantasy stories today that get canceled before finishing, The Sword of Kaigen is a complete, standalone story, so viewers wouldn’t have to worry about it being cut short. Despite being just one book, the story feels fully developed and satisfying.
Bringing The Sword of Kaigen to life on screen isn’t just about one thing. The story’s magic system, which combines martial arts with elemental powers, would create fantastic visuals, and the world itself is truly unique. The characters, with all their flaws, would be interesting for actors to portray, and the strong female lead would be a welcome addition to the fantasy genre on TV or in film.
3) Jade City by Fonda Lee
Fonda Lee’s Jade City is another book ripe for a TV or movie adaptation, and it’s surprising Hollywood hasn’t noticed. This first installment in the Green Bone Saga is a fast-paced novel with a unique magic system based on martial arts. Its exciting action and vivid city setting would be fantastic to see brought to life on screen.
Fans of fantasy and even those new to the genre will be captivated by the political maneuvering in Jade City. It’s often compared to The Godfather, which gives you a good idea of how dramatic and intense the story is. With its exciting action and compelling characters, Jade City is a fantasy novel perfectly suited for a television or film adaptation.
2) Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Tracy Deonn’s novel, Legendborn, was optioned for a TV series in 2022 (according to Deadline), but updates have been scarce. Hollywood should make this project a priority. The story centers on a teenage girl who discovers a secret society connected to the Knights of the Round Table, and its magical world and school setting would translate into captivating visuals. With ongoing action in the books, there’s a lot of potential for a successful TV series or film.
Focusing on the King Arthur legend gives Legendborn wide appeal, as both fantasy fans and newcomers will recognize the familiar themes. Adapting Legendborn would also be a welcome move towards greater diversity in fantasy television. Plus, the story bravely addresses important issues like racism and grief, making it a meaningful adaptation.
1) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A TV show based on Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows was almost made as a continuation of Netflix’s Shadow and Bone. Although the characters from Six of Crows weren’t in Bardugo’s original book series, they were featured in both seasons of the Netflix show. The creator of Shadow and Bone, Eric Heisserer, revealed he’d planned a spinoff to adapt the Six of Crows duology, finally bringing the story of the Ice Court heist to the screen. Unfortunately, Netflix canceled Shadow and Bone after two seasons, so the spinoff won’t happen.
It’s particularly frustrating that we might not see the full story of the Crows, because Shadow and Bone had a fantastic cast who would have been perfect for it. The exciting heist plot of Six of Crows would have made compelling television. While it’s still hoped it might happen someday, it’s a shame it probably wouldn’t be with the same actors and team. The books, Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom, are simply too good not to adapt. Luckily, fans did get a glimpse of the story in Season 2 of Shadow and Bone.
What fantasy book do you wish they’d make into a movie or TV show? Share your thoughts in the comments, and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Victoria Beckham Addresses David Beckham Affair Speculation
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- 10 Best Demon Slayer Quotes of All Time, Ranked
- HBO Max Is About To Lose One of the 1980s Defining Horror Movies
- The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is a 4-Player Co-Op Survival Horror Game Inspired by Lovecraft’s Works
- Dogecoin Wiggles at $0.20-Is It Ready to Leap Like a Fox With a Firecracker?
- The Death of Bunny Munro soundtrack: Every song in Nick Cave drama
- Zootopia 2 Reactions Raise Eyebrows as Early Viewers Note “Timely Social Commentary”
2025-12-01 05:41