The book that started it all

Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series about dragon rider Violet Sorrengail has become a publishing phenomenon. Onyx Storm, the third book, became the fastest-selling adult novel in twenty years when released in January two thousand twenty-five.

Amazon and Michael B. Jordan team up

In October two thousand twenty-three, Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society announced they were developing Fourth Wing into a TV series. Yarros is an executive producer for the show.

Amazon secures the whole series

Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to the entire Empyrean series. In January two thousand twenty-five, Yarros told Variety she had shared the five-book arc with Amazon, including the general big points between each book.

Moira Walley-Beckett hired as showrunner

In July two thousand twenty-four, Outlier Society hired Moira Walley-Beckett, who worked on Breaking Bad and Anne with an E, as showrunner. Yarros praised her as phenomenal in a January two thousand twenty-five interview.

Showrunner change in July

Moira Walley-Beckett exited the Fourth Wing project in July two thousand twenty-five. Variety reported in September two thousand twenty-five that Meredith Averill was taking over as showrunner.

Meredith Averill takes the helm

Meredith Averill, previously showrunner of Netflix's Locke and Key and producer on The Good Wife and The Haunting of Hill House, is now leading the Fourth Wing series. Yarros welcomed her on Instagram.

“Welcome to the team, Meredith Averill! Guys, I love everything this wonderful woman has worked on and I'm so excited to have her joining us.”

Michael B. Jordan confirms production

In January two thousand twenty-six, Michael B.Jordan assured fans the Fourth Wing show was on its way.

“We are making sure that this is going to be an exciting show that delivers on all of the things the fans want and some of the things that they won't be expecting either.”

Series officially ordered at Amazon Upfront

On May eleventh, two thousand twenty-six, Michael B.Jordan announced the show had been ordered to series for Prime Video at the Amazon Upfront.

Esther McGregor cast as Violet

Twenty-four-year-old Esther McGregor, daughter of Ewan McGregor, has been cast as Violet Sorrengail. McGregor appeared in Babygirl and We Were Liars, another Amazon adaptation. She called herself beyond excited and honored.

“So beyond excited. Honored. Thrilled.”

Emilio Sakraya cast as Xaden

Thirty-year-old German actor Emilio Sakraya has been cast as Xaden Riorson. Known for Rheingold and Netflix's Warrior Nun, Sakraya was born to a Serbian father and Moroccan mother. Both actors are relative newcomers.

“My house. My chair. My Woman.”

Yarros' casting priorities

At a London event in August two thousand twenty-four, Yarros said she intentionally never shared a fan cast to open diversity.

“They know how staunch I am against whitewashing Xaden. I think that's the biggest thing.”

Yarros loved the pilot script

Speaking on January twenty-fourth, two thousand twenty-five, in New York, Yarros told fans she had read the latest pilot version and loved it.

“But guys, I, like, kicked my feet the whole time. You're gonna love it.”

What comes next

Amazon has not provided details on casting beyond Violet and Xaden or when filming for the Fourth Wing series may begin. The show is in early stages of production for Prime Video.