April is here and with it comes a slew of Netflix premieres, including the much-anticipated series Shadow and Bone that promises to be binge worthy! Based on the best-selling YA fantasy series by Leigh Bardugo, Netflix will dive into a magical world filled with monsters, magic, and a whole lot of angst. The eight one-hour episode series will count with Stranger Things executive producer Shawn Levy, as well as some beloved actors and new faces.
What is Netflix’s Shadow and Bone About?
Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov, a teenage orphan trying to survive in the war-torn land of Ravka before everything she knows changes after learning she is an extremely magical being, known as Grisha. Her power could be the key to freeing her country, but her journey to master that power takes her beyond the Shadow Fold. A tear of pure darkness, the Shadow Fold, will test Alina to the breaking point where enemies and friends are one and the same.
Netflix has confirmed it will be combining two separate universes created by Bardugo, Shadow and Bone and the duology Six of Crows. While the characters never interacted fans will get to experience a new twist to their already beloved series. Bardugo herself has expressed that the screen adaption will be “radically different from the books, but still just as amazing”.
Who Will Star In Shadow and Bone?
The cast of Shadow and Bone for the most part will be starring up-and-coming actors with Jessie Mei Li taking on the role of Alina Starkov. During early production showrunner Eric Heisserer and Bardugo discussed the importance of diversity within the adaption, which led to the decision of changing Alina’s backstory to make her half Shu. The casting of Li has been highly praised and from what has been shown of her in the trailers, there is no doubt she was made for the role!
Joining Li is a more familiar face, Westworld and Chronicles of Narnia actor Ben Barnes. The Brit will play General Kirigan a magical elite better known as the Darkling, who will do anything to free his people from the grasp of the Shadow Fold. Fans are particularly excited to see Barnes portraying the mysterious and powerful character that also serves as Alina’s love interest.
Along for the journey is Netflix alumni Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker, Amita Suman from CW’S The Outpost as Inej Ghafa, Kit Young as Jesper Fahey, and Archie Renaux as Malyen Oretsev.
Will It Be Worth The Watch?
If you’re a fan of The Winx Club or The Witcher, then you’ll probably love Shadow and Bone. So far Netflix has been on a winning streak when it comes to adapting book series – Bridgerton, To All The Boys, and Locke and Key to name just a few. Although almost everything surrounding Shadow and Bone has been kept hush, the few glimpses we’ve gotten have done a great job of building the excitement and no one can say Netflix didn’t go all out creating the magical world of Ravka!
But if you’re still debating on whether this is the show for you, well, at least give Ben Barnes a chance! He really has the whole dark and brooding vibe going on that will leave us all wishing we were part of Shadow and Bone.
Season 2 May Already Be In The Works
If there’s one thing we all hate, it’s investing time into a new series and then having it cancelled just after the first few episodes, but fear not because Netflix has reportedly greenlit a second season for Shadow and Bone! According to whats-on-Netflix – source that has previously been correct about other renewals – Netflix is confident in a successful first season.
While nothing has been officially confirmed at the moment, Netflix has been known to renew shows secretly before they’ve even premiered. The murder mystery Who Killed Sara? was given another season long before its release date and had fans surprised when they got a first look of the next chapter following the end of season 1.
For now, keep those fingers crossed and hope that Shadow and Bone is a hit to get the coveted green light from Netflix.
When Will Shadow and Bone Be Released?
Netflix only recently announced the Friday, April 23 release date for Shadow and Bone after months of giving nothing more away than “Spring 2021”.
Production on the series began late 2019 in Budapest with it barely dodging the COVID-19 shutdowns during its last weeks of filming. Thankfully cast and crew were able to safely wrap up any loose ends before heading home. Unlike other Hollywood productions, Shadow and Bone never showed any signs of having been delayed.
With only a couple weeks left until the premiere, get the popcorn ready to binge what is surely going to be another major hit in Netflix’s repertoire!
