‘Fourth Wing’ Casts Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya as Violet and Xaden

Few book adaptations have generated as much anticipation as ‘Fourth Wing.’ Rebecca Yarros’ romantasy novel became a viral sensation on BookTok following its 2023 release, quickly evolving into a global publishing phenomenon. Since Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights, fans have been actively casting the two central characters of the story.

The journey to adaptation has had its challenges. Development started at Prime Video in October 2023, but the original showrunner, Moira Walley-Beckett, departed the project in 2025. Meredith Averill stepped in as showrunner in September 2025, and the series was officially greenlit in May during Amazon’s upfront presentation, with Michael B. Jordan joining Yarros and pilot director Lisa Joy on stage.

The search for the lead roles has finally concluded. According to Deadline, Esther McGregor will portray Violet Sorrengail, while Emilio Sakraya has been cast as Xaden Riorson, as sources close to production told Deadline. Variety has also confirmed this casting news, although Amazon has opted not to comment.

McGregor is recognized for her role as Mirren in the Prime Video series ‘We Were Liars’ and her appearance in the 2024 film ‘Babygirl.’ The 24-year-old actress is the daughter of Ewan McGregor and began her career in modeling before transitioning to acting. She made her screen debut with a cameo in her father’s series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi.’

Her schedule is already packed, as she is currently filming Prime Video’s ‘Life Is Strange,’ and ‘We Were Liars’ is gearing up for its second season. Violet is a pivotal character in the narrative, a 20-year-old who envisioned a quiet life as a Scribe until her mother, a military general, compelled her to join the harsh Basgiath War College.

Sakraya, a German actor and former child star, also pursues a music career under the name Emilio. His notable works include ‘Those About to Die,’ ‘Warrior Nun,’ ‘Rhinegold,’ and ‘Tribes of Europa.’ He recently wrapped filming for the third season of Netflix’s ‘One Piece,’ where he portrays Koza, the leader of the rebel army.

Xaden is depicted as the most formidable and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant. He is a marked individual, the offspring of parents involved in the initial rebellion, and possesses the ability to wield shadows. Fans on TikTok may recognize Sakraya’s name, as he was a popular choice for the role within the ‘Fourth Wing’ community.

The essence of the story revolves around the relationship between Violet and Xaden, who begin as adversaries but gradually become deeply intertwined. In a college where many cadets would prefer to see Violet fail, Xaden starts as one of her most perilous rivals. This slow-burn dynamic is a significant reason why the books have become such a phenomenon.

This casting raises the stakes considerably, as readers have high expectations for how their chemistry will translate on-screen. The leads will carry much of the narrative weight. Lisa Joy, known for co-creating ‘Westworld,’ will direct the pilot, promising a strong visual identity for the series.

Reactions have been mixed yet passionate. Many readers welcomed Sakraya enthusiastically, while some fans quickly commented on McGregor’s appearance as Violet, noting that hairstyles and styling can easily change for the show. Others humorously remarked that the news had sent the fandom into a frenzy.

Such buzz is typical for a project of this magnitude. Fan-casting debates have persisted for years, and any official announcement is bound to elicit diverse opinions. The creative team will have ample opportunity to win over skeptics before the show premieres.

Prime Video has yet to announce a premiere date, and no production start date has been revealed. The production is led by Averill as showrunner, with executive producers including Jordan’s Outlier Society, Kilter Films’ Lisa Joy, Jonathan Nolan, Athena Wickham, and Yarros herself. The series is adapting a story that currently encompasses three published novels, ‘Fourth Wing,’ ‘Iron Flame,’ and ‘Onyx Storm,’ with five planned in total.

Yarros announced in March that a fourth book is in development, meaning the source material continues to expand. With the leads now cast, the next steps will involve finalizing the rest of the ensemble and commencing filming. For fans, this indicates that the dragons are finally drawing nearer.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!