Prime Video has officially found the central pairing for its television adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling fantasy novel, Fourth Wing. Actors Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya have been cast in the lead roles of Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson.
The casting announcements establish the primary duo for the high-stakes fantasy series. The story centers on cadets navigating a brutal dragon-riding academy where the core rule of survival is simple: graduate or die.
Meet the Leads: Violet and Xaden
Esther McGregor will star as 20-year-old protagonist Violet Sorrengail. Violet originally planned to enter the Scribe Quadrant for a quiet life among books and history. Her life changes when her mother-the commanding general-orders her to join the candidates striving to become elite dragon riders in the kingdom of Navarre.
Emilio Sakraya will star opposite McGregor as Xaden Riorson. Xaden is a powerful wingleader with shadow-wielding powers and a history as the descendant of a rebellious faction. In the story, Violet and Xaden begin as enemies. They develop a complex enemies-to-lovers dynamic as they face mounting dangers, failing protective wards, and dark secrets hidden by academy leadership.
Behind the Scenes of the Prime Video Adaptation
Amazon MGM Studios secured the television rights to Yarros’ The Empyrean book series in 2023 and greenlit the project in May 2026. Meredith Averill serves as the showrunner and executive producer, while Lisa Joy will direct the series premiere.
The production features backing from Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, Jonathan Nolan and Athena Wickham’s Kilter Films, and Premeditated Productions. Executive producers include Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo for Outlier Society; Nolan, Joy, and Wickham for Kilter Films; and Liz Pelletier and Sherryl Clark for Premeditated Productions.
Cast Backgrounds
Esther McGregor has built a diverse resume in television and film. She appeared in Prime Video’s adaptation of E. Lockhart’s novel We Were Liars and is in production for the streaming service’s adaptation of Life Is Strange. Her film credits include Babygirl and Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door.
Emilio Sakraya is a German actor and musician. He is recognized for playing JC in Netflix’s Warrior Nun and has starred in Those About to Die, Sixty Minutes, and Tribes of Europa. Sakraya will also appear as Koza in the third season of Netflix’s live-action One Piece series.
The Future of The Empyrean Series
Rebecca Yarros’ multi-novel universe continues to expand. The first three installments-Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), and Onyx Storm (2025)-have topped bestseller lists. A fourth novel is currently underway as part of a planned five-book arc.
An official release date for the Prime Video adaptation has not been announced. However, the completion of lead casting indicates that active production preparations are moving forward.
