Prime Video Confirms Lead Actors for the New Series
Prime Video has selected its principal actors for the forthcoming television series adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’ popular novel. The emerging fourth wing cast features Esther McGregor taking on the central role of Violet Sorrengail, while Emilio Sakraya has been chosen to portray Xaden Riorson, according to production sources.
Character Backgrounds in the Fantasy Setting
In the narrative source material, Violet and Xaden begin as enemies before developing a romantic connection. Violet's mother compels her to enter the dangerous environment of Basgiath War College alongside hundreds of other candidates attempting to become elite dragon riders for the country of Navarre. Initially, twenty-year-old Violet intended to follow her father Asher's path to become a Scribe recording historical archives. Instead, she must navigate the deadly trials required to bond with a dragon. There, she encounters Xaden, a brooding cadet belonging to a rebellious lineage who possesses shadow-wielding abilities.
Production Details and Future Plans
Amazon MGM Studios secured the rights to the Empyrean book series for television development in 2023, later giving the project an official greenlight in May. Meredith Averill joined the production as showrunner and executive producer, with Lisa Joy directing the series premiere and also serving as an executive producer. Production is backed by multiple entities, including Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, Kilter Films, and Premeditated Productions. Developers intend to adapt the remaining novels across multiple seasons if the project succeeds.
Background on the Cast Members
McGregor's recent credits include Prime Video projects such as the video game adaptation Life Is Strange and the television version of E. Lockhart’s novel We Were Liars, alongside film appearances in Babygirl and Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door. Sakraya brings extensive fantasy and action experience to the adaptation, having recently finished work on the upcoming third season of Netflix's live-action One Piece series as Koza, alongside prior roles in Peacock's Those About to Die and Netflix's Warrior Nun.
