In 2016, Hulu announced it would be adapting Sarah J. Maas’Throne of Glass, and created a buzz of excitement among fans of her epic fantasy novels. The TV show was to originally be namedQueen of Shadows, after the fourth book in the series—and Maas had even teased early script developments for the pilot episode on herInstagram. However, what seemed to be a promising pickup by Hulu was mysteriously cut short, and no further updates to aThrone of GlassTV showadaptation have been made since.
It’s unfortunate Hulu never made any progress with the project, asthe source material has the capacity to become a worldwide phenomenon that could rival the HBO adaptation ofGame of Thrones. And the immersive world-building, political landscape, and magic system found throughout theThrone of Glassserieswould have made for the perfectGame of Thronesreplacement. With so much potential,Hulu’s forgotten Sarah J. Maas adaptationis a major letdown—and with little information as to why the project was shelved, it’s unlikely fans will see this series on screens any time soon.
Hulu’s Throne Of Glass Show Could Have Been A Great Game Of Thrones Replacement
Throne Of Glass Has Many Similar Themes To Game Of Thrones
HBO’sGame of Thronesadaptation was a huge success worldwide, and that’s largely due to George R.R. Martin’s incredible source material. The TV show was adapted fromMartin’sA Song of Fire and Icebooks, and goes to show that a large fantasy series can be adapted for television well if done properly—andThrone of Glasswould have had equal success with its own series adaptation had Hulu continued forward with the project.Throne of Glass' expansive world-building would have lent itself to becoming an award-winning show, similar toGame of Thrones.
Although there are similar themes between the two fantasy series,Throne of Glasshas its own unique qualities that wouldn’t have made its adaptation feel like aGame of Thronesregurgitation.
Maas’Throne of Glassbooksare full of similar themes to the HBO hit, including its many political dynamics, magic systems, fantastical creatures, and a lost queen taking back her throne. Although there are similar themes between the two fantasy series,Throne of Glasshas its own unique qualities that wouldn’t have made its adaptation feel like aGame of Thronesregurgitation.Their similarities simply proveThrone of Glasswould have done well on screen, and bringing some of its terrifying creatures and characters to life—like wyverns and the valg—would have made for a great TV show.
Hulu Dropped The Ball On Throne Of Glass' Potential To Become A Fantasy Hit
Hulu’s Adaptation Could Have Been The Next Game Of Thrones
Game of Throneswas a worldwide phenomenon, and arguably the best fantasy series adaptation of the last ten years.However, Hulu’sThrone of GlassTV show had the potential to become an even bigger hit. Aside from the sprawling universe and epic action sequences found throughout Maas' best-selling fantasy series, its large cast of characters would have had a huge impact on Hulu’s adaptation—and could have led to excitingThrone of Glasscastingchoices. GivenThrone of Glassis written in multiple POVs, Hulu would have had the opportunity to really expand upon some of the series' smaller side characters.
Throne of Glass'
narrative also lends itself to an easily adaptable and long-run series, as Aelin’s path to reclaiming her kingdom spans over eight novels. And as the plot builds throughout the books, so do the stakes and the growing threat of Maeve and the Valg—something that would have kept audiences on the edge of their seats season after season. Additionally, Aelin Galathynius is one of the best female main characters in the fantasy genre to-date, and her character, alongside many others, would have made Hulu’sThrone of Glassadaptation stand out among others in the genre.
