Prime Video has cast the two leads of its upcoming Fourth Wing series, with Esther McGregor set to play Violet Sorrengail and Emilio Sakraya portraying Xaden Riorson. The romantasy drama is based on Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling novel, the first installment in her The Empyrean series.

The casting brings two of the fantasy saga’s central characters to the screen, as the project moves forward with its television adaptation. Here’s what to know about the book, its characters, and the upcoming Prime Video series.

What is Fourth Wing About?

The first book in Yarros’ The Empyrean series, Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, who is forced by her mother to attend Basgiath War College. There, she must compete alongside hundreds of candidates hoping to become dragon riders for the kingdom of Navarre.

The college’s dangerous trials put the candidates’ lives at risk, and Violet must navigate a world that challenges her abilities and expectations. She also encounters Xaden Riorson, a powerful and enigmatic rider whose past complicates their relationship. Their connection develops against the backdrop of military training, political tensions, and the dangers of dragon riding.

Combining fantasy, action, and romance, Fourth Wing launched The Empyrean, a bestselling series that has helped fuel the popularity of romantasy, a genre blending romantic relationships with fantasy settings and plots.

Who are Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson?

Violet is the central character of Fourth Wing, entering Basgiath with little of the physical advantage expected of aspiring dragon riders. She must rely on her intelligence, determination, and ability to adapt to survive the college’s demanding training.

Xaden is one of Basgiath’s most formidable riders, carrying a complicated family history that shapes his place within Navarre’s military structure. His relationship with Violet becomes a major thread in the novels, combining romantic tension with the larger conflicts surrounding the college and its riders.

Who are Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya?

McGregor’s credits include the Amazon series We Were Liars, based on E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel, Halina Reijn’s thriller Babygirl, and Pedro Almodóvar’s film The Room Next Door, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. She also appeared in High School, the television adaptation of Tegan and Sara’s memoir.

Sakraya’s film and television work includes the Netflix series Tribes of Europa and Warrior Nun. He portrayed rapper Xatar in Fatih Akin’s 2022 biographical film Rheingold and appeared in the historical drama Those About to Die. He is also set to play Koza in Netflix’s One Piece.

Who is Behind Prime Video’s Fourth Wing Adaptation?

Meredith Averill (The Haunting of Hill House, Locke & Key) is adapting the novels for television and will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Lisa Joy, co-founder of Kilter Films, will direct the pilot and executive produce.

Amazon MGM Studios is producing the series alongside Kilter Films, Outlier Society, and Premeditated Productions. Yarros will also executive produce, alongside Michael B. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo for Outlier Society, Jonathan Nolan, Joy, and Athena Wickham for Kilter Films, and Liz Pelletier and Sherryl Clark for Premeditated Productions.

The series will stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. A premiere date has not yet been announced.