As of December 2025, the highly anticipated television adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’s blockbuster novel, Fourth Wing, remains one of the most talked-about projects in the romantasy genre, yet the official cast list is still a closely guarded secret. While Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society are actively developing the series, with *Wednesday* EP Meredith Averill tapped as the showrunner, fans are clamoring for any news regarding who will portray the iconic dragon riders of Basgiath War College. The most current information confirms that while production is "chugging along," no official casting announcements for Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, or any other main character have been made.
The lack of concrete casting news has only fueled the frenzy of fan speculation, leading to an extensive—and often passionate—online debate about who is physically and emotionally right for the roles. This deep dive explores the current production status, the one major casting requirement set by author Rebecca Yarros, and the most popular actors being fan-cast for the main roles of the entire Empyrean series adaptation.
The State of the Fourth Wing TV Show Adaptation: Production and Key Players
The journey of Fourth Wing from a BookTok sensation to a major television series began when Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society acquired the rights to the entire Empyrean series, including Iron Flame and the upcoming Onyx Storm. This partnership signals a massive commitment to a high-budget, multi-season fantasy epic.
The project received a significant boost with the hiring of Meredith Averill as the showrunner. Averill, known for her work as an executive producer on Netflix’s hit series *Wednesday*, brings a strong background in developing dark, character-driven young adult fantasy, which is essential for capturing the tone of the Basgiath War College.
- Studio: Amazon MGM Studios
- Production Company: Outlier Society (Michael B. Jordan)
- Showrunner: Meredith Averill (Executive Producer of *Wednesday*)
- Author Involvement: Rebecca Yarros is serving as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation remains faithful to the core of the story.
- Current Status (Dec 2025): In active development, with no official cast confirmed.
Rebecca Yarros's One Major Casting Requirement for Xaden Riorson
While the casting process is shrouded in secrecy, author Rebecca Yarros has been vocal about one non-negotiable requirement that will guide the selection of the male lead. The author confirmed that Xaden Riorson will be played by a person of color (POC). This requirement is crucial for honoring the character's description and the world-building of the *Empyrean* series.
This single detail immediately narrows the field of speculation and has shifted the focus of fan-casting towards a more diverse range of actors, aligning with the author's vision for the series' diversity.
The Top Fan-Casting Predictions for Violet Sorrengail
Violet Sorrengail is the heart of the series—a small, fragile, yet fiercely intelligent rider who must overcome impossible odds. Fans often focus on finding an actress who can embody her physical frailty (she is described as small and pale with a delicate build) while possessing the mental fortitude and sharp wit that defines her character arc. Her signature look includes long, silver hair, which can be achieved with wigs or dye, making her height and expressive eyes the key physical traits.
Here are the most popular fan-cast choices for the rider of Tairn and Andarna:
- Mackenzie Foy: A recurring favorite, often cited for her delicate facial structure and ability to portray a character who is both vulnerable and determined.
- Danielle Rose Russell: Known for her role in *Legacies*, she has the necessary experience in the fantasy genre and can believably play a young woman thrust into a dangerous world.
- Sarah Catherine Hook: Praised for her performance in *First Kill*, she has the right look and a growing fan base that supports her for the role.
- Josephine Langford: Her experience leading the *After* film series makes her a known commodity for a major romantic lead.
- Natalia Dyer: The *Stranger Things* actress is often mentioned for her ability to play a character who looks deceptively fragile but possesses inner strength.
Contenders for Xaden Riorson: The Wingleader and Rebel
Xaden Riorson is described as tall, dark, and brooding, with a powerful, commanding presence. He is the wingleader of the Fourth Wing and a notorious rebel, marked by his rebellion relic. The author's requirement that the actor be a person of color is the most critical factor, eliminating many of the early, non-POC fan-casts and focusing attention on diverse talent.
The top fan-cast actors who meet the POC requirement and embody Xaden's intensity include:
- Daryl McCormack: The Irish actor, known for *Bad Sisters* and *Peaky Blinders*, is a highly popular choice due to his intense screen presence and commanding build.
- Manny Jacinto: Best known for *The Good Place*, Jacinto has the looks and acting versatility to portray a complex, morally gray character.
- John Boyega: The *Star Wars* actor is a heavyweight suggestion, bringing significant star power and the necessary gravitas to the role of a rebel leader.
- Jan Luis Castellanos: A frequent fan-cast on platforms like myCast, he has the brooding look and youthful appeal many fans envision for Xaden.
- Staz Nair: The actor from *Supergirl* and *Game of Thrones* has the right physique and experience in the fantasy genre.
The Voice of the Dragons: Tairn and Andarna Fan-Casting
In a dragon-riding fantasy, the voices of the dragons are arguably as important as the human cast. Tairn, Violet’s formidable black dragon, and Andarna, the small, rare golden dragon, require voices that can convey immense power, ancient wisdom, and surprising wit.
- Idris Elba (Tairn): This is perhaps the most universally agreed-upon fan-cast. Elba’s deep, resonant, and authoritative voice is considered perfect for the terrifying, yet protective, black dragon Tairn.
- Madelaine Petsch (Andarna): The *Riverdale* actress is a popular choice for the voice of Andarna, the small, golden dragon whose youthful appearance belies her true nature. Her voice can capture the dragon's unique blend of innocence and ancient magic.
Other Key Characters and Entities in The Empyrean Series
The world of *Fourth Wing* is rich with complex supporting characters who will require equally strong actors. Incorporating these entities is key to building topical authority:
- Mira Sorrengail: Violet's older sister, a powerful rider. Florence Pugh is a popular, albeit ambitious, fan-cast for her strong presence.
- Rhiannon: Violet's loyal friend and wingmate. Actresses like Tati Gabrielle are often cited for her sharp, supportive energy.
- Dain Aetos: Violet's childhood friend and a key figure in the series. The actor must convey a mix of genuine concern and overbearing protectiveness.
- The Empyrean: The collective of all dragons in the world, the name of the series itself, and a crucial entity in the lore.
- Basgiath War College: The brutal setting where the riders train, a central location entity.
The anticipation for the *Fourth Wing* TV show cast is a testament to the novel’s massive cultural impact. While fans wait for the official word from Amazon MGM Studios and Outlier Society, the speculation provides a fascinating glimpse into the collective imagination of the fandom. The only certainty is that the casting team faces the enormous task of finding actors who can live up to the beloved, complex characters created by Rebecca Yarros, all while adhering to the author’s crucial requirement for Xaden Riorson. Keep an eye on official announcements; the reveal of the next great romantasy leads could happen at any moment.
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