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 might soon hit the screen. A Fourth Wing adaptation is officially in motion. 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 is abuzz with fan castings, as BookTok creators pitch their ideal actors for the Fourth Wing universe. Yarros’s confirmation that the adaptation is in its early stages has only intensified the excitement. With the fandom noticing Yarros' is a fan of dropping clues and easter eggs on the adaption, we may have found a few that have lead us to believe who has been casted. Most recently, eagle-eyed fans noticed actor Josh 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? We doubt it.
@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
Similarly, at the Onyx Storm midnight release party for the book, Yarros confirmed her non-negotiable with Xaden, is that per the books description, will not be portrayed as white in the TV show adaption.
@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
Below, we’re diving into the internet's collective casting wishlist, with the most popular suggestions of who could bring the tension, magic, and high stakes of this soon-to-be-iconic story to life.
The most popular Fourth Wing casting predictions
Xaden Riorson
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The brooding and morally complex love interest. Xaden is a rebellious squad leader with a dark past, a sharp tongue, and a magnetic presence. We believe Dune: Prophecy Actor Josh Heuston would fit the role perfectly. There has also been speculation amongst the fandom that he could be an actor of interest, with fans picking up he has been spotted recently reading the books, adding a dragon emoji in his bio, and noticing he follows Yarros' on Instagram.
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.
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 has Danny Griffin pegged for this part, thanks to his kind eyes, blonde hair and incredible physique.
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.
