After two seasons, Netflix has cancelled its live-action fantasy series Shadow and Bone. The streaming giant also pulled the plug on the Six of Crows spin-off that had been planned.
As reported by EW, scripts for the spin-off had already been written, but in the wake of the historic Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) double strike, Netflix chose to leave behind the world of Shadow and Bone, known among fans as the Grishaverse.
Shadow and Bone is based on a young adult fantasy book series by Leigh Bardugo, who reacted to Netflix’s cancellation in an Instagram post. “The news hit me hard,” Bardugo wrote. “I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I’m also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude. Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I’m one of the lucky few who can look at an adaptation with pride and tremendous joy.”
What was Shadow and Bone about?
Netflix’s adaptation of Shadow and Bone premiered in April 2021, with a second season airing in March 2023. The show takes place in the fictional kingdom of Ravka, which exists under the threat of the perpetually dark Shadow Fold and the monsters inhabiting it. Magic-users called Grisha have varied abilities which may include the potential to finally vanquish the Shadow Fold.
Jessie Mei Li starred as Alina Starkhov, whose humble beginnings were leading to a great destiny as a Sun Summoner. The Punisher’s Ben Barnes played General Kirigan, who created the Fold. The cast also included Archie Renaux as Mal, Danielle Galligan as Nina, Calahan Skogman as Matthias, and Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, and Kit Young as three members of the Crows gang which was meant to be central to the planned spin-off. Eric Heisserer was Shadow and Bone’s showrunner.
The two seasons of Shadow and Bone can be streamed on Netflix.
