Fantasy fandoms, get ready – Hollywood’s next big phenomenon is on the horizon. Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing has surged to viral fame, and Violet Sorrengail’s journey will soon hit the screen. A Fourth Wing adaptation is officially in motion, with Michael B. Jordan and Interstellar co-writer Jonathan Nolan attached to the production team. Yarros herself shared the news on TikTok, revealing that Amazon studio has secured the rights to her Empyrean series, igniting a frenzy of fan speculation.
Fourth Wing isn’t just another fantasy – it’s a pulse-pounding mix of dragons, peril, and romance that’s captured readers around the world. At its heart of the series is Violet Sorrengail, a brilliant and resourceful heroine navigating the treacherous Riders Quadrant, where survival demands both cunning and courage. Pair her with the enigmatic Xaden Riorson, layered political intrigue, and dragons like Tairn and Andarna, and it’s clear why fans are eagerly awaiting these characters to be seen on screen.
TikTok has a theory involving black-and-white photos
If you've been following casting clues closely, you'll likely have seen this theory gaining traction online. According to Nicole Holleman of @fantasyfangirlspod, (almost) everyone involved in the project has switched their social media display pictures to a black and white image.
The theory was ignited when Yarros changed her profile photo from a coloured image to black and white on Instagram and Facebook – leaving fans to wonder if it was some kind of deliberate Easter Egg.
Do a little digging, and you'll find that several names linked to the project have done the same – including Inde Navarette, Katie Douglas and Mackenzie Foy, who are all (rumoured to be) in the running for Violet Sorrengail. It's worth noting, however, that Douglas' photo has been that way since at least August 2025, and Navarette's since April 2026. Foy, on the other hand, has a zebra in her Instagram bio – which Holleman pointed out is an important animal to people with Ehlers Danlos, the condition Sorrengail has.
As for the role of Xaden, frontrunner Josh Heuston still has a colourful profile picture, as does Emilio Sakraya. But there are a few actors who have been linked to the project and have switched ot black and white photos, including Ariyan Akultan, Chase Melton, and Belmont Camelli. Although we can likely rule out Camelli, with Yarros previously confirming the role would go to an actor of colour.
There are, of course, a few holes in this theory. Most glaringly, Meredith Averill, the showrunner, and Lisa Joy, the director, don’t have black and white images as their profile photos. Similarly, while executive producer Michael B. Jordan does, indeed, have a black and white photo, it's been that way since 2020, so isn't linked to Fourth Wing.
@fantasyfangirlspodAre we going to meet some of the TV show’s cast on July 15 (Conscription Day)?? After all, the story of Fourth Wing opens on July 15, where we first meet Violet, Xaden, and squad members! (The biggest THANK YOU to The Book Club Department who first reported these black and white photos!) Rebecca Yarros changed her profile photo to black and white on July 1, which led us to speculate we’ll get Empyrean Not Book 4 news by Conscription Day. But now Michael B Jordan profile photo is black and white, too. (However, others involved in production like Meredith Averill and Lisa Joy *do not* have B&W photos.) Who else has B&W profile photos? Many of the rumored actresses for Violet. One in particular for Xaden. Danny Griffin and even a few more. Could most of these people already have B&W profile photos? Absolutely––we don’t know when they changed. BUT this feels like too big of a coincidence!!!♬ original sound - Fantasy Fangirls Podcast
'Conscription day' wasn't a casting Easter egg
Yarros remains Queen of throwing us off the scent. When she began sharing teasers for conscription day (July 15) – a concept in the Fourth Wing books where soon-to-be cadets have to cross the parapet to see if they make it into Basgiath War College – fans took notice, and rightfully so. The dominant theory was that conscription day would actually be the day we finally got an official casting announcement.
Now that day has arrived, however, and while it's not casting news, it's something equally as exciting. Conscription day actually marked the announcement of the title and details surrounding Yarros' forthcoming Fourth Wing novella, Threshing Day.
The most popular Fourth Wing casting predictions
TikTok is abuzz with fan castings, as BookTok creators pitch their ideal actors for the Fourth Wing universe. Nothing has been formally confirmed of course. So while we wait, we’re diving into the internet's collective casting wish list, with the most popular suggestions of who could bring the tension, magic, and high stakes of this soon-to-be-iconic story to life.
Xaden Riorson
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By now, it would be hard to miss that Australian actor and RUSSH digital cover star Josh Heuston is one of the leading favourites for the role of Xaden, and a new clue has emerged that casting might be finalised. Speaking to KIIS FM in May 2026, Heuston confirmed that he has landed a "very big" TV series. The hosts asked: "you do have something very big lined up?". He simply replied "yeah, yes." Then when the hosts surprised him with a suite of El Jannah cuisine, Josh then revealed he was pleased as he is indeed "bulking".
Rumours about Heuston first swirled when he was spotted reading the series and then adding a dragon emoji to his Instagram bio. Eagle-eyed fans noticed Heuston posting what looked to be a scene rehearsal, with the text 'violence' on the screen. ICYMI, 'Violence' is the nickname Xaden gives Violet throughout the books. Coincidence? Maybe.
@theempyran Anyone else notice that tiny little ‘violence’ @Jheuston teasing us with that!!! We need to know😫 #fyp #foryoupage❤️❤️ #viral #blowthisupformeplease #fourthwing #ironflame #onyxstorm #theempyryan #rebbecayarros #violetsorrengail #xadenriorson #fanart #fancast #joshheuston ♬ original sound - theempyranplaylist
Now that Yarros confirmed her non-negotiable is that Xaden, is that per the books description, will not be portrayed by a white actor the TV show adaption, speculation only continues to grow.
@sabteenwitxh Replying to @karissacalifornia she didn’t talk about official casting but confirmed Xaden is NOT white #fourthwing #rebeccayarros #onyxstorm #ironflame #booktok ♬ original sound - sab
Violet Sorrengail
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The heroine of the story, Violet is intelligent, determined, and physically slight, which sets her apart in the brutal Riders Quadrant. Despite her chronic illness, her sharp mind and unrelenting will make her a force to be reckoned with. Actor Cailee Spaeny just makes sense. Fierce, vulnerable, with a fiery inner strength. After seeing her shine in Priscilla, we think it makes sense that Violet is her next role.
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Of course, Spaeny might have some competition – in the form of Inde Navarette, star of Obsession. Speaking to Spoiler, the actress shared she's already plotting her next role, and she wants it to be none other than Violet Sorrengail. “If I had to pick a specific role that I’ve secretly been keeping my eye on, it would be Violet Sorrengail," she said. "I am a huge Fourth Wing fan and I heard they were making it into a series."
Again, on the red carpet for Jackass: Best and Last, Navarrette took the opportunity to tell Entertainment Tonight: "I'm a really big fan of Fourth Wing and I would love to play Violet... I want you guys to pick the perfect Violet, but if it happens to be me, then that would be beautiful..."
@mars_unseenvids Petition for Inde to be cast as violet in the upcoming “Fourth Wing” film #indenavarrette #obsession #obsessionmovie #fypシ゚ #edits ♬ original sound - Darwin
Dain Aetos
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Violet’s loyal but frustratingly overprotective childhood friend is Dain. We're choosing Dacre Montgomery to fit the role, with this ability to bring charm and subtle tension to his roles, he would add layers to the dynamic between Dain and Violet. After seeing him in Elvis and as Billy in Stranger Things, we're looking to see Montgomery back on our screens.
Liam Mairi
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Liam Mairi was a rider in the same year as Violet Sorrengail, and is described as the strongest cadet in their class. It makes sense, then, that the character would be played by someone well built. He was fostered by the same family as Xaden after their parents were killed for their role in the Tyrrish Rebellion. The internet Danny Griffin pegged for this part, months ago. But more recently he was spotted reading a copy of Iron Flame which has only heightened speculation that he could be the pick for Liam.
Garrick Tavis
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Garrick Tavis is both a dragon rider and Xaden's best friend since childhood. He has pale skin, dark curly hair, hazel eyes, and a broad frame – a lot like actor Drake Rodger, if you ask us.
General Lilith Sorrengail
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General Sorrengail – aka Violet's mum – is a General serving the Kingdom of Navarr, and a force to be reckoned with who will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves. The books describe her as tall and strong, with brown hair cut short for combat. The internet's pick for this role? Actress Olivia Coleman.
Jack Barlowe
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The main antagonist of Fourth Wing, Jack is a cadet alongside Violet at Basgiath War College. She describes him as having a "monstrous" frame, as well as blonde colouring, making actor Mitchell Hoog a prime candidate for this role.
Mira Sorrengail
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Mira is Violet's sister, so it makes sense these two actors would look alike. She's described throughout the books as a younger version of her mother, tall and muscular, with brown eyes. We'd love to see Jocelyn Hudson fill this part – not only is she a former ballerina, but she regularly posts videos practicing MMA to Instagram.
Imogen Cardulo
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When we meet Imogen, she's a third-year rider at Basgiath War College, a close friend of Xaden's, and a member of the rebellion. Physically, this character is quite distinct, thanks to her pink hair and green eyes. While she might need to invest in some hair dye, the internet thinks Stranger Things alum Natalia Dyer would be perfect as Imogen, and we can't help but agree.
Bodhi Durran
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Bodhi is Xxaden's cousin, and a fellow dragon rider. XO Kitty star Anthony Cyrus Keyvan has this characers strong features, dark eyes, and curly brown hair in spades.
Stay tuned here, for more updates on the Fourth Wing Cast.
