Sarah J. Maas Reveals Truth About ACOTAR TV Show Status

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Sarah J. Maas has put her ACOTAR show back on the shelf. 

The popular author announced that the television series based on her A Court of Thorns and Roses books is temporarily on hold due to disagreements about the show’s direction. She’s now focusing on completing the rest of the book series.

Sarah recently told Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast that she’s currently prioritizing writing books. She explained that it’s been a while since she’s released new content, so that’s where her energy is going right now.

She’s still very interested in the TV project. The author of Crescent City recently regained the rights to all her books, which will give her more creative control when she starts working on the ACOTAR adaptation.

Sarah sees TV adaptations of her work as another way to expand the worlds she’s built, and she wants to be actively involved in the process. She’s a perfectionist who likes to understand every detail of filmmaking – not to control things, but because she genuinely loves both movies and television and wants to learn as much as possible about how they’re made.

Sarah is determined to stay true to her original story and also make sure the TV show appeals to its existing fans. She explained that she wants the adaptation to reflect both her vision and what she believes the fans are hoping for.

That’s why she’s concerned about potential creative differences with Hollywood execs. 

Sarah explained she never wants to be told to alter her work to attract a specific group of people. She believes art, and her storytelling in particular, shouldn’t be about appealing to demographics, but about creative integrity.

I share my stories with the world, and fans are connecting with the characters in different ways. However, when it comes to physical copies, like books, it’s important that they stay true to my original vision and aren’t just interpretations by others.

Hulu first announced plans to adapt the ACOTAR book series into a TV show in 2021, with Ronald D. Moore (Outlander) set to lead the writing and production. However, three years later, Moore left the project to pursue other career opportunities, seemingly putting the series back at the beginning of the development process.

Okay, so I was at Comic-Con this July and, ugh, I let it slip… I’m not working on it anymore. It’s because I’ve gone back to Sony, after leaving Disney. Honestly, I have no idea what’s happening with the project now. It’s just… out of my hands, and it’s killing me not knowing!

Even though the upcoming fantasy series has temporarily paused development, fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses still have something to be excited about. Sarah J. Maas has announced that the sixth book, currently without a title, will be released on October 27th, and the seventh book will follow on January 12th, as the two stories are linked.

She shared on the Call Her Daddy podcast that she had a huge story to tell. While writing in Montana, a place she described as having a powerful energy, the story poured out of her unexpectedly. She usually breaks her writing into sections, but the first part alone ended up being around 400 pages long.

While a TV or movie adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses isn’t happening right now, here are some other popular books that are being adapted for the screen.

The upcoming Apple TV+ series is based on Laura Dave’s novel, The First Time I Saw Him, which will be available for purchase on January 6, 2026. The series stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson, and will premiere on February 20, 2026.

Season two of the popular Apple series picks up with Hannah Hall (Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Rice) five years after the disappearance of Owen (Coster-Waldau), Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father. They’ve built a new life, but their past comes back to haunt them when Owen unexpectedly reappears just before a devastating family event. This sets off a dangerous chain of events, forcing Hannah and Bailey to fight for their survival.

Based On: Julia Quinn‘s 2001 Bridgerton novel An Offer From A Gentleman

The show stars Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: Part One: January 29, 2026; Part Two: February, 26, 2026, on Netflix

As a longtime fan, I’m absolutely thrilled for Benedict Bridgerton! After seasons of him searching for his place and figuring things out, it looks like he’s finally going to find love. And I’m so excited to welcome Sophie Baek, played by Ha, to the show – I can’t wait to see their story unfold!

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: In theaters February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

We’re thrilled to announce a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights! Director Emerald Fennell, who brought us Saltburn, is working again with stars Jacob Elordi and Robbie to create a fresh and unique take on the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Get ready for a return to the dramatic and atmospheric moors!

This film is based on the 2022 novel by Hoover. The cast includes Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, and Nicholas Duvernay. It will be released in theaters on February 13, 2026. The story follows Kenna, who returns to her hometown after five years hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She unexpectedly finds support from a local bar owner who offers her a second chance. Notably, the film is a passion project for the bestselling author, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine, marking one of several adaptations of her books coming to the screen.

This new series is based on the hugely popular books by Patricia Cornwell, which currently include 26 titles. The show stars Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jake Cannavale. It will premiere on Prime Video on March 11, 2026. We’re particularly excited because Kidman consistently delivers captivating performances (like in Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing), and this time she’ll be playing one half of a crime-fighting sister duo with another Academy Award winner – making it a must-watch!

 

Based On: Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: In theaters March 20, 2026

Okay, so Ryan Gosling was already a LEGEND for being the first person in space, but seriously, this new role? It’s EVERYTHING. He plays this astronaut who wakes up after a coma to find he’s the only one left from a mission to a star system twelve years away from Earth! Like, TWELVE YEARS! And get this – he has to finish the mission himself, all alone, to fix this problem with the sun and save everyone. No big deal, right? I’m already obsessed, it sounds absolutely incredible!

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

The series will debut on Apple TV on April 15, 2026. We’re particularly excited because of the casting of Nicole Kidman! The show is based on a fantastic book about a woman who, after becoming a single mom at 20, turns to OnlyFans. With Kidman on board, this eight-episode series is definitely one to watch.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

We’re really excited about this project, especially with Anne, Dakota, and Josh involved! The story – about a writer taking over a popular book series after the original author has an accident – is full of surprises. Having these three talented actors bring it to life on screen makes it even more thrilling.

Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey King

Premieres: In theaters September 18, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited sequel! Almost thirty years after the first movie, this new film—based on a novel by Andrew Hoffman—continues the story of Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet. They now face the challenges of a family curse that’s starting to affect their daughters and granddaughters.

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

Featuring Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes. Coming to theaters November 20, 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lionsgate will be making a movie based on the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss and Peeta’s mentor! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next film in the Hunger Games series. The movie will focus on Haymitch’s own experience winning the Hunger Games 50 years before Katniss and Peeta, revealing his story during the 50th Hunger Games.

 

This movie is based on Ali Hazelwood’s popular 2021 novel. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a fake dating romance that became a huge hit on TikTok. What makes this adaptation especially interesting? Tom Bateman is married to Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in Star Wars – the story originally began as fanfiction about Rey and Kylo Ren! We’re definitely intrigued to see how this beloved book translates to the screen.

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel and starring Juno Temple, this upcoming Apple TV series centers around Lauren, who comes home one day to find a husband she’s never met. Soon, she discovers a never-ending stream of husbands are appearing from her attic! The story follows Lauren as she tries to figure out what she truly wants in life and whether she’ll take control of her complicated and unusual romantic situation.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m already adding this one to my must-watch list! It’s based on Elin Hilderbrand’s popular 2023 novel and stars the amazing Jennifer Garner. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose world is rocked by tragedy. To cope, she plans a special weekend getaway with her best friends, hoping for healing and connection. But of course, things don’t go quite as planned! As old secrets come to light and friendships are tested, it’s clear this series is going to be a captivating and emotional ride. It’s premiering soon on Peacock, and trust me, you’ll want to be watching!

Based on Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel, a new animated version of the Twilight saga – this time told from Edward Cullen’s perspective – is coming to Netflix. After more than a decade of waiting for Meyer to revisit the story, viewers can soon enjoy seeing this familiar tale brought to life in a new way, and a sneak peek at the animated version of Edward’s famously sparkling skin is sure to be a highlight.

This upcoming Apple TV series is based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 book and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The story follows a young woman who returns to a life of cons, just like the one she grew up in, hoping to build a secure future for herself. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s a show we’re really looking forward to!

Based On: Emily Henry‘s 2024 novel

Starring: TBD

Premieres: TBD on Netflix

As a lifestyle expert, I’m really excited about the upcoming adaptation of this bestselling novel! It’s a story about rediscovery – we see Daphne picking up the pieces and finding her way again after a painful breakup. Her fiancé, Peter, leaves her for his childhood friend, Petra, which is never easy. But here’s where it gets interesting: Daphne actually gets a little help from Petra’s ex, Miles. It’s a complicated situation, but I think it’s going to make for really compelling viewing – a story about heartbreak, healing, and unexpected connections.

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2026-03-05 06:18