Shadow and Bone
Summary
Shadow and Bone ’s cancellation has come as a monolithic disappointment to fan of the Netflix series , and ithighlights a corking trouble when it comes to fancy rule book adaptations . Based onLeigh Bardugo ’s best - deal Grishaverse novels , Shadow and Bonethrows viewers into the creation of Ravka , a state carve up in half thanks to a sinister and dangerous barrier predict Shadow Fold . When a young woman with the ability to manage light appears , it seems like Alina Starkov ( Jessie Mei Li ) is destined to pull down the inscrutable Fold . However , upon joining the 2d army , she learns there ’s deep corruption to contend with — both among Ravka ’s royalty and the magic - handle Grisha .
Shadow and Boneseason 2 debut on Netflix in March 2023 , taking Alina and her companions further in their feat to bring repose to Ravka . The series made some major book change in season 2 , but it pass on the door open to further search its central fictional character in a third outing andSix of Crowsspinoff . regrettably , Netflix canceledShadow and Boneafter season 2 , citing the recent Hollywood strikes as part of its abstract thought . The show ’s untimely end speak to a greater job when it comes to illusion television , andit ’s one that streamer and studios require to address before more version meet like fates .
Shadow And Bone’s Cancellation Speaks To A Greater Fantasy Adaptation Problem
Shadow and Boneis among the most diverse phantasy TV show to descend out in late years , putting BIPOC , LGBTQ+ , and handicapped characters at the front of its natural action . The series draw from theSix of Crowsbooks in this regard , which depict Kaz Brekker as disabled , feature LGBQT+ kinship like Wylan and Jesper ’s , and put BIPOC fiber like Jesper and Inej in lead roles . Shadow and Bonealso made the decision tochange Alina Starkov ’s backstoryfrom the books , making her half Shu in the hopes of pay off the lack of diversity in the originalShadow and Bonetrilogy and bring new layers to her character .
Having strong mental representation on multiple fronts is , unfortunately , a rarity in fantasy , even as the writing style grows more pop and inclusive . Many fantasy books that do get adapted for television are bring to life using preponderantly white mould — and there ’s not a short ton of histrionics elsewhere either . The show that attempt to break this mold are too few , and they often get canceled before end up their runs . Freeform’sShadowhuntersalso featured striking LGBTQ+ relationship and was ax before it could report all its book storylines . Netflix’sLockwood & Co.met a premature end as well despite its diverse roll of characters .
In addition to fantasy adaptations with diversity being canceled way too often , there just are n’t enough inclusive books within the genre being adapted . There is no shortage of stories with stellar representation in the YA and adult fantasy sections of the bookstore . Unfortunately , not enough of them are fetch to the screen , and the ace that are do n’t get the runs they deserve .
Diverse Fantasy Books Deserve Adaptations That Last
Streamers and studios do n’t just need to prioritise adaptation of diverse fantasy Holy Writ ; theyneed to ensure that those adjustment actually get a hazard to originate and thrive . Series likeShadow and Bonepush boundaries when it comes to on - screen inclusion , but that is n’t enough . The characters deserve to see their arcs delivered fully , and the fans who see themselves in those characters deserve proper ending . Producing more inclusive fancy floor for telecasting is n’t a win if they do n’t make it beyond a duo of seasons . Fortunately , some upcoming fantasy shows could fulfil the emptiness left byShadow and Bone , assuming they are n’t canceled before they get the chance .
Upcoming Fantasy Adaptations That Could Fill The Void Left By Shadow And Bone
WhilePercy Jackson and the OlympiansandA Court of Thorns and Rosesdon’t have the greatest representation in the reservoir material , their TV adaptations could also work to fix this . Percy Jacksonis already making that effort through its casting choices , and it could easily bring its LGBTQ+ characters from late Book into the show earlier . A Court of Thorns and Rosescould similarly flirt up its existing queer romances and strain to be inclusive with its casting .
Of of course , a more worthy goal would be to accommodate more fantasy books by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors . Sabaa Tahir’sAn Ember in the Ashesseries , Shelley Parker - Chan’sShe Who Became the Sunbooks , and Rin Chupeco’sThe Bone Witchtrilogy are just some of the stories that could lift the fantasy musical style on the humble screen and proffer agency that ’s on equality with — if not good than — Shadow and Bone .
