Many of the most beloved fantasy films and series started as novels, and several books coming out in 2025 could be the next big adaptations. Current trends show Hollywood focusing on animated fantasy and continuing popular franchises. Despite this, studios are still actively seeking out new book series to turn into movies and shows. This year alone, Amazon announced it will adapt Lauren Roberts’ Powerless series, and Sony picked up the rights to James Islington’s Hierarchy series, both of which have the potential to become major fantasy hits.
Several highly anticipated fantasy novels coming out in 2025 are already being considered for TV or film adaptations, including R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis and The Devils by Joe Abercrombie. Despite the inconsistency of recent fantasy adaptations, studios are eager to find the next big hit like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, and focusing on authors like Kuang and Abercrombie is a good start. However, I recommend these three other fantastic books as strong contenders for adaptation as well.
3) The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
Antonia Hodgson’s The Raven Scholar is a captivating blend of fantasy and mystery, perfectly suited for a television or film adaptation. Already considered one of the best books of 2025, it’s the first in a planned trilogy, offering plenty of material for continued storytelling. The story centers around a competition to find a new Emperor for Orrun, but the contest turns dangerous when a competitor is killed. Neema Kraa, a High Scholar, is tasked with solving the murder, which requires her to secretly enter the perilous tournament herself.
There’s a lot to enjoy in The Raven Scholar, including thrilling challenges, political scheming, and a compelling murder mystery—all of which would work well in a movie or TV show. The central mystery would draw in both fans of the book and new viewers who enjoy fantasy or thrillers. Plus, the story’s trials and political power plays echo successful adaptations like The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones, and The Raven Scholar could similarly capture audiences if given the opportunity.
2) Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
It’s surprising that none of V.E. Schwab’s popular fantasy novels have been adapted for film or television, despite previous attempts with books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and A Darker Shade of Magic. Unfortunately, those adaptations didn’t move forward, but one really should – and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil would be a perfect choice. Schwab’s 2025 vampire novel is arguably her best work, and it would likely appeal to fans of AMC’s Interview With a Vampire. Like that show, it features a dark, rich setting and complex, troubled relationships. Plus, the book’s focus on feminist ideas makes it particularly relevant today.
Because Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil focuses more on character development and emotional struggles than large-scale action, it wouldn’t be a particularly expensive project for a studio or streaming service. While it would still need a reasonable budget for sets and some violent scenes, it wouldn’t require the extensive special effects of a show like Game of Thrones.
1) Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher is a fantastic author for film and TV studios to consider adapting. She writes compelling horror and fantasy novels, and her book Hemlock & Silver is a great example. It’s a unique blend of both genres, which could attract a wide audience. This novel is a fresh take on the Snow White story, centering on a healer who intentionally consumes poison to understand and cure diseases. She’s called to the castle to help the king’s daughter and discovers the solution might involve a magical mirror—one that opens the door to a frightening and perilous world.
Hemlock & Silver has a strong and engaging story idea, and because it’s based on well-known fairy tales, it should appeal to a wide audience. The story works well as a single, complete film or limited series, meaning viewers wouldn’t have to worry about it being cancelled before the story is finished. The magical elements offer opportunities for visually stunning scenes, and the book, set to be released in 2025, blends suspense and humor for an enjoyable watch. Hopefully, someone in Hollywood will recognize its potential, as it’s a story worth telling.
Which fantasy book coming out in 2025 are you hoping gets turned into a movie or TV show? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-12-30 05:40