Netflixhas seemingly recommitted to the fantasy genre despite its recent streak of canceling such shows.Netflix bought the rights to Callie Hart’s viral fantasy book,Quicksilver,in a seven-figure deal.Quicksilveris the first installment of Hart’sFae & Alchemyromantasy series,which became widelypopular because of BookTok.Quicksilverrevolves around Saeris Fane, who finds herself in a brewing Fae conflict.Fae & Alchemyis another interpretation of faerie lore, following in the footsteps of Holly Black’sThe Folk of the Airand Sarah J. Maas’A Court of Thorns & Roses.
Although it’s unsurprising that a viral BookTok hit likeQuicksilveris being adapted, it is somewhat shocking that Netflix is willing to pick up the rights to Hart’s book. Of course, Netflix has many successful fantasy TV shows on its roster, includingThe Witcher,The Sandman, andArcane. Netflix will also hostGreta Gerwig’s adaptation ofThe Chronicles of Narnia, so the streaming service is not opposed to fantasy. However,it is still shocking that Netflix is eagerly pursuing fantasy adaptations given its recent string of cancellations.
Netflix’s Quicksilver Adaptation Is Shocking After Its Major Fantasy Cancellations
Netflix Has Notoriously Canceled Several Successful Fantasy Shows
Netflix is not shy about canceling popular fantasy TV shows; it evenaxedShadow and Boneafter season 2, despite the series' dedicated fan base.Warrior Nunalso met an early end on the streamer, and even ongoing fan campaigns weren’t enough to bring it back in its original format. Netflix’s other fantasy shows that met similar fates includeLockwood & Co.,Fate: The Winx Saga, andKaos.Kaoswasn’t even on the streamer for 40 daysbefore it was canceled.
10 Fantasy TV Shows Canceled Before They Could Conclude Their Original Plan
In today’s TV industry, many TV shows, especially in the fantasy genre, are canceled before they have the chance to finish their original story plan.
Needless to say, Netflix has fallen into a frustrating trend with its fantasy shows, despite its willingness to green-light projects in the category. Many of them don’t get a proper chance, as the streaming service often doesn’t commit to enough seasons. That’s why it’s surprising that Netflix is pouring so much money into its upcomingQuicksilverproject, hinting that it might be revamping its approach to the genre.
The Streamer’s Quicksilver Deal Suggests Netflix Is Recommitting To The Fantasy Genre
Netflix Has Not Given Up On Fantasy Stories Just Yet
Netflix’s acquisition of Hart’sFae & Alchemybooks illustrates that, despite the streaming service’s habit of canceling fantasy TV shows,it is not ready to give up on the genre just yet.Wednesdayseason 2recently wrapped filming and is gearing up for a 2025 release. Meanwhile,theArcaneshowrunner recently confirmed a fourth regionwill be explored in the upcomingLeague of LegendsTV shows.The Witcherwill have two more seasons, despite its major recasts, andThe Sandmanseason 2 will premiere in 2025.
The second installment inFae & Alchemywill be published in fall 2025, according to Callie Hart’s website.
Clearly,Netflix is hopeful about its current and upcoming fantasy projects— enough so that the streaming service is willing to pay seven figures to add more.Quicksilverwill be Netflix’s first adaptation of an adult romantasy novel featuring faeries, asFate: The Winx Sagais a live-action adaptation of Nickelodeon’sWinx Club. It is possible Netflix is gearing up for a more mature fantasy audience, given hit TV shows such asArcane(TV-14) andThe Witcher(TV-MA).Netflix’s history with the genre might be disappointing, but thanks toQuicksilver,the future looks bright.
Source:Deadline
Quicksilver
Saeris Fane, a 24-year-old thief with secret alchemical powers, accidentally opens a portal to Yvelia, a frozen realm inhabited by the Fae. There, she becomes bound to Kingfisher, a formidable Fae warrior with hidden motives. Together, they navigate a perilous world of magic and conflict, forging an uneasy alliance that challenges their perceptions of trust and destiny.
