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. 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, 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 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? 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
Nothing has been formally confirmed of course. So while we wait, 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
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
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.
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.”
Dain Aetos
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Stay inspired, follow us.
