There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Hulu’s potential A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show, but another of Maas’ fantasy book series actually has greater potential to become a worldwide phenomenon. While the ACOTAR books definitely would make for a great fantasy romance television show, Maas’ Throne of Glass series might be better for the platform to adapt first. Unfortunately, Hulu acquired the rights to produce a Throne of Glass show back in 2016, but never moved forward with the project.
Hulu’s forgotten Sarah J. Maas adaptation has had no updates since, and it seems the platform has set its sights on adapting the A Court of Thorns and Roses series instead. While this will still be a beloved show among fans of the books, the ACOTAR series doesn’t incorporate as many fantasy elements as Throne of Glass—and this could impact the mainstream appeal of a Court of Thorns and Roses show. While hopes are still high that Hulu will reexamine its shelved Throne of Glass TV series, it’s unlikely fans will see this adapted for screens any time soon.
A Throne Of Glass Show Has Way More Potential Than Hulu’s ACOTAR Adaptation
Throne of Glass’ World-Building Would Make For A Better TV Series
A Court of Thorns and Roses is well-loved among fans of the series, and still has what it takes to become an entertaining show. However, a Throne of Glass adaptation has way more potential than Maas’ other series. The implementation of various fantasy elements found throughout the Throne of Glass make it a suitable universe for a live-action adaptation —and the show’s casting, costuming, and potential sets would be extraordinary. Additionally, Throne of Glass’ huge cast of characters, immense world-building, and dynamic political scenarios would have made it the perfect Game of Thrones replacement.
Several scenes from the
Throne of Glass
series come to mind when thinking of “epic” fantasy moments, and those action sequences alone offer up high TV potential.
Not only does the world lend itself to a potentially greater adaptation, but the series’ fast-paced action and high stakes would keep fans on the edge of their seats season after season. Several scenes from the Throne of Glass series come to mind when thinking of “epic” fantasy moments, and those action sequences alone offer up high TV potential. The A Court of Thorns and Roses books do explore similar moments, but the series as a whole tends to focus more on character relationships, and its action sequences end rather quickly.
The Fantasy Elements Of Throne Of Glass Go Way Deeper Than A Court Of Thorns & Roses’
ACOTAR Has A Larger Focus On Romance Than High Fantasy
A Court of Thorns and Roses is categorized as a romantasy, meaning its romantic plot lines are of equal importance to its overall narrative. Whereas Throne of Glass is described as a high fantasy story, with a larger focus on world-building and instead incorporates several romantic plot lines throughout. While ACOTAR does build a remarkable fantasy world, Throne of Glass‘ fantasy elements are more well-defined. Its political dynamics are much more vast, and the complexity of its world-building has greater depth.
This distinction between Maas’ two series is what catapults
Throne of Glass
above the
A Court of Thorns and Roses
books in terms of fantastical elements—and what should have made it a top choice for a Hulu adaptation.
This distinction between Maas’ two series is what catapults Throne of Glass above the A Court of Thorns and Roses books in terms of fantastical elements—and what should have made it a top choice for a Hulu adaptation. However, a TV show of this caliber would take an extensive budget to do properly, and it may be that Hulu felt ACOTAR would be a less complicated series to adapt first. Throne of Glass as a whole is a rather daunting series, so Hulu would have had to prepare for several years of filming to adapt the books faithfully.
A Throne Of Glass Show Has Mainstream Appeal That Hulu’s ACOTAR May Not
Throne Of Glass’ Similarities To Game Of Thrones Prove It Would Do Well
While fans of the series would certainly rally behind an ACOTAR adaptation, the romantasy genre isn’t necessarily for everyone. That being said, Throne of Glass‘ storyline, and overall focus on high fantasy, would give it a larger mainstream appeal than A Court of Thorns and Roses. Successful fantasy adaptations like Game of Thrones help to prove this, and its high fantasy characteristics prompted a wide audience to engage each season.
Related
8 Challenges The A Court Of Thorns And Roses Show Faces Adapting The Books
Like many fantasy book adaptations, the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV series has many obstacles in its journey toward successful development.
All seven Throne of Glass books bring much more to the story than romance, and the series’ detailed world-building and large focus on political schemes give it a similar quality to HBO’s Game of Thrones. It’s unfortunate that Hulu scrapped the project so soon into its development, as Throne of Glass would likely have introduced a whole new audience to Sarah J. Maas’ several fantasy book series. While the A Court of Thorns and Roses show would do well, it doesn’t have as much potential as Maas’ Throne of Glass.
- Seasons
- 1
- Writers
- Ronald D. Moore
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
- Showrunner
- Ronald D. Moore
