8 Challenges The A Court Of Thorns And Roses Show Faces Adapting The Books

This article contains SPOILERS for the book series A Court of Thorns and Roses!

The live-action adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses faces several challenges that could hinder the show’s success. The acclaimed author Sarah J. Maas introduced the first book of the series in 2015, telling the story of the mortal Feyre Archeron, who is brought into the faerie lands of Prythian for unknowingly murdering a faerie. Maas skillfully crafted her fantasy universe, pitting Feyre against many an onslaught of creatures while also aligning the protagonist with a colorful cast of allies.

The TV adaptation for A Court of Thorns and Roses was officially announced in March 2021, with the project being developed by Ronald D. Moore, known for his work on popular series such as Outlander and Battlestar Galactica. While projects like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones have seen immense success, there have also been many bad fantasy book movies and TV show adaptations. For the A Court of Thorns and Roses Hulu TV show to prosper, it must steer clear of numerous obstacles that have led to the failure of other fantasy book adaptations.

8 ACOTAR Must Cast The Perfect Actors

The Inner Circle

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One of the most important factors in the show’s success hinges on the selection of the perfect cast for A Court of Thorns and Roses. While exact physical matches to the book descriptions may not be required, it’s imperative that the chosen actors embody the essence of their character. The initial challenge lies in casting the right individual to portray Feyre, who serves as the narrator in the first three novels. Feyre is characterized by her strength, stubbornness, and guarded nature, a result of her challenging upbringing. Despite being 19 years old, she possesses wisdom beyond her years, making it paramount to find the perfect actress to embody this central element.

The next step entails finding the ideal actors for Rhysand and Tamlin, both of whom have romantic relationships with Feyre. The chemistry between the actress portraying Feyre and the actors cast as her initial love interest and her mate is essential for the show’s success. Additionally, the dynamics within the Archeron sisters are very important. Nesta’s sharp and poised demeanor contrasts with Elain’s softer, introverted nature. Since both characters play a pivotal role in Feyre’s journey and later take the spotlight in the series, selecting an actress who can initially play a supporting role and then transition to the leading lady is essential.

Finally, the inner circle consisting of Cassian, Azriel, Mor, and Amren plays a critical role in Feyre finding her true home in Prythian. These characters serve as Rhysand’s confidants and family, adding more layers to the complex male lead.The cast must be impeccable to bring the characters to life and fully capture the complex and captivating dynamics between them.

7 A Sufficiently High Budget is Required to Bring the World to Life

A Court of Thorns and Roses Has To Build The World of Pythian

One of the biggest aspects of any fantasy series lies in the storytellers’ ability to craft an immersive world for their audience. To successfully translate this onto the screen, a substantial budget is essential in order to make the world as realistic as possible, enveloping viewers fully in the show. A prime example of this is The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, which is renowned for its special effects, intricate character costumes, and top-tier CGI that captivate audiences, all achieved at a staggering cost of $462 million for the first season.

While a budget of this magnitude isn’t mandatory, considering that Game of Thrones had a budget of around $100 million per season and several Harry Potter films were produced for an average of $150 million, a significant financial investment is necessary to provide a fully immersive experience. The pitfalls of subpar CGI, as evident in A Winkle in Time (2018), can significantly detract from a project’s overall quality. A Court of Thorns and Roses spends most of its time in the world of Prythian, which holds seven distinct courts, each based around either a season or time of day.

To bring to life the grandeur and beauty of the Spring Court or the mesmerizing night sky of Velaris, a substantial budget is necessary. Furthermore, a large budget is needed to bring to life the fantastical elements of the world, such as the powers of the High Lords, the various creatures, and even the wings of Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel. As Ronald D. Moore is developing the show, it should receive a good budget to bring the world to life. However, without adequate funding, the series runs the risk of falling short of fully immersing viewers in the captivating world of Pythian.

6 The Action Sequences Need to Match the Standard Set by the Books

The Action Can’t Disappoint

Another challenge for the live-action A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show is replicating the riveting action sequences from the book. While the first half of book one primarily focuses on Feyre’s blossoming romance with Tamlin in the Spring Court, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when she is forced to participate in a series of trials Under the Mountain. Feyre finds herself up against a formidable Wyrm in her first trial, almost getting killed on multiple occasions. As the story progresses into the second book, Feyre works to master her newfound powers and fights fiercely against Hybern soldiers.

The success of the series heavily relies on the execution of these action sequences, as any lackluster or poorly choreographed action would diminish a vital component of the source material. This is especially significant in regards to the third book where an epic war against Hybern takes center stage. To do justice to the original story, the show must be well-prepared to fully develop these action sequences, ensuring that the essence and intensity of the source material are intact.

5 The ACOTAR TV Series Must Stay True To The Story

The Show Can’t Make Too Many Story Changes

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One of the biggest causes for a fantasy book’s live-action adaptation to fail is when the show or movie deviates from the original story. The source material for A Court of Thorns and Roses has a massive following, so large changes to the story may prove disastrous to the show’s success. For example, Rings of Power made many changes to Tolkien’s canon, leaving viewers dissatisfied. Similarly, The Hobbit Trilogy expanded on the plot of Tolkien’s novels, which stirred controversy. In order for the A Court of Thorns and Roses show to be successful, it must stay true to Maas’ story. Having Mass involved in the writers’ room instills hope that she will work to keep her story intact.

4 How Rhys and Feyre Develop Their Relationship May Not Work On Screen

The Central Romance Has To Be Handled Carefully

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The central romance in A Court of Thorns and Roses revolves around the fated mates Feyre and Rhysand. Even though their love story doesn’t fully start until book two, they begin their communication through their heads in the first novel. Originally, it is thought they could do this because Rhys is a Daemati, but later it is revealed that it is because they are mates talking through their bond. With a large part of their love growing with their witty communication in their heads, there is a risk that this element of the narrative will not fully translate on the screen.

Having to rely on voiceover and reactions throughout much of the show could run the risk of coming off as cheesy. Whether the show opts to continue portraying their mental communication or finds an alternative method to depict the development of their relationship, it is imperative that the love story between Feyre and Rhys is conveyed in an organic and masterful way, as they are the heart of the story. If their love story is not presented well on screen, the show will most definitely fail.

3 ACOTAR Needs At Least 2 Seasons To Succeed

It Can’t Be A One-Season Story

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Another issue is that A Court of Thorns and Roses needs at least two seasons to succeed, as a massive part of Feyre’s story is not told until book 2, A Court of Mist and Fury. While the first book focuses on Feyre’s life in the Spring Court and her trials Under the Mountain, she does not truly grow into her full self until the second book, when she bonds with Rhysand. Additionally, numerous beloved characters arrive in the second book. Given the pivotal development of Rhys and Feyre’s love story and the introduction of the Inner Circle, it becomes clear the show must have two seasons to allow major aspects of the story to develop fully.

2 ACOTAR Requires the Appropriate MPA Rating

The Mature Themes Can’t Be Toned Down

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A Court of Thorns and Roses is now fully classified as a New Adult novel, which needs to be reflected in the show’s MPA rating. Censoring the show to bring in a slightly younger audience would take away from the story. These fantasy novels have a great deal of violence, and it is essential that the level of intensity in the books is fully maintained in the adaptation.

Additionally, given that romance plays a substantial role in this fantasy series, it is important for the show to faithfully depict the pivotal moments, such as the significance of Chapter 55 in A Court of Mist and Fury. This chapter marks the first sexual encounter between Feyre and Rhys, symbolizing their journey from enemies to lovers. If the show’s MPA rating gears towards a younger audience, the adaptation risks losing much of what made the book beloved, diluting the story’s impact.

1 There Are High Expectations From Lovers Of The Book Series

The Show Has To Appease Longtime Fans

Considering all of these challenges, the most significant one will be ensuring that the show lives up to the expectations set by the lovers of this fantasy series. While the creators of the show may not be able to please every viewer, capturing the essence of the book could contribute to the show’s success. There is a dedicated following, as noted by Marieclaire.com, with 13 million copies worldwide, and 7.3 billion views on TikTok. Therefore, staying true to the core elements that make people fall in love with A Court of Thorns and Roses, will help the adaptation live up to the high expectations set by the book’s audience, helping the show succeed and keeping its fanbase onboard for the entirety of its run.