This Series Could Be Hulu’s Answer to Rings of Power and House of the Dragon

2022 was a banner year for fantasy streaming — releases consisted of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, HBO’s House of the Dragon and Netflix’s adaptation of The Sandman. Even though Hulu put out numerous prestige TV programs, it has largely stayed out of the picture during the current clamor for fantasy.

This likely will not last for long, though. Hulu has optioned a number of series, including a particularly prominent one from contemporary fantasy author Sarah J. Maas. The saga is often referred to by the name of its first novel, A Court of Thorns and Roses and is abbreviated as ACOTAR. A rabid fanbase surrounds the book series with its progressive values and unique takes on the high fantasy genre, meaning that an adaptation of ACOTAR is bound to do well.

What Sets ACOTAR Apart From Other Fantasy Series

ACOTAR takes place in a world that has been largely overtaken by fae, a magical species with seemingly unending lifespans. The first novel is a feminist retelling of Beauty and the Beast, while the remainder of the series is based upon the myth of Hades and Persephone. The series’ complexity lies in how it deceives the reader, as central protagonist Feyre is quickly established as an unreliable narrator.

And unlike most plot-focused high fantasy, ACOTAR is much more character-driven. The relationships between the characters drive what happens, even when it’s Feyre acting as a spy or committing subterfuge. What’s more, Feyre takes control of her own sexuality and is generally an operator in her own way, negotiating her own brand of justice and strength as a fully developed female character.

The Popularity of the ACOTAR Franchise

The most notable aspect of ACOTAR that makes it ripe for TV adaptation is its well-established and flourishing fanbase. Their TikTok presence is constant, taking over songs and trends and making them their own. There are officially licensed songs and soundtracks, as well as author-approved replacement dust covers and fanart. This loyal following could only get bigger with the release of ACOTAR’s own TV show.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is being adapted under the microscope of its fanbase, with the showrunner of Outlander currently attached. The success of the original novels confirms the franchise’s strong staying power and potential to compete with the likes of The Rings of Power and House of the Dragon. It will be interesting to see how well the Hulu series lives up to fan expectations when it finally enters the fantasy streaming wars.