Netflix has seemingly recommitted to the fantasy genre despite its recent streak of canceling such shows. Netflix bought the rights to Callie Hart’s viral fantasy book, Quicksilver, in a seven-figure deal. Quicksilver is the first installment of Hart’s Fae & Alchemy romantasy series, which became widely popular because of BookTok. Quicksilver revolves around Saeris Fane, who finds herself in a brewing Fae conflict. Fae & Alchemy is another interpretation of faerie lore, following in the footsteps of Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air and Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns & Roses.
Although it’s unsurprising that a viral BookTok hit like Quicksilver is being adapted, it is somewhat shocking that Netflix is willing to pick up the rights to Hart’s book. Of course, Netflix has many successful fantasy TV shows on its roster, including The Witcher, The Sandman, and Arcane. Netflix will also host Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, so the streaming service is not opposed to fantasy. However, it is still shocking that Netflix is eagerly pursuing fantasy adaptations given its recent string of cancellations.
Netflix’s Quicksilver Adaptation Is Shocking After Its Major Fantasy Cancellations
Netflix Has Notoriously Canceled Several Successful Fantasy Shows
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Netflix is not shy about canceling popular fantasy TV shows; it even axed Shadow and Bone after season 2, despite the series’ dedicated fan base. Warrior Nun also met an early end on the streamer, and even ongoing fan campaigns weren’t enough to bring it back in its original format. Netflix’s other fantasy shows that met similar fates include Lockwood & Co., Fate: The Winx Saga, and Kaos. Kaos wasn’t even on the streamer for 40 days before it was canceled.
Related 10 Fantasy TV Shows Canceled Before They Could Conclude Their Original Plan In today’s TV industry, many TV shows, especially in the fantasy genre, are canceled before they have the chance to finish their original story plan.
Needless to say, Netflix has fallen into a frustrating trend with its fantasy shows, despite its willingness to green-light projects in the category. Many of them don’t get a proper chance, as the streaming service often doesn’t commit to enough seasons. That’s why it’s surprising that Netflix is pouring so much money into its upcoming Quicksilver project, hinting that it might be revamping its approach to the genre.
The Streamer’s Quicksilver Deal Suggests Netflix Is Recommitting To The Fantasy Genre
Netflix Has Not Given Up On Fantasy Stories Just Yet
Netflix’s acquisition of Hart’s Fae & Alchemy books illustrates that, despite the streaming service’s habit of canceling fantasy TV shows, it is not ready to give up on the genre just yet. Wednesday season 2 recently wrapped filming and is gearing up for a 2025 release. Meanwhile, the Arcane showrunner recently confirmed a fourth region will be explored in the upcoming League of Legends TV shows. The Witcher will have two more seasons, despite its major recasts, and The Sandman season 2 will premiere in 2025.
The second installment in Fae & Alchemy will be published in fall 2025, according to Callie Hart’s website. ✕ Remove Ads
Clearly, Netflix is hopeful about its current and upcoming fantasy projects — enough so that the streaming service is willing to pay seven figures to add more. Quicksilver will be Netflix’s first adaptation of an adult romantasy novel featuring faeries, as Fate: The Winx Saga is a live-action adaptation of Nickelodeon’s Winx Club. It is possible Netflix is gearing up for a more mature fantasy audience, given hit TV shows such as Arcane (TV-14) and The Witcher (TV-MA). Netflix’s history with the genre might be disappointing, but thanks to Quicksilver, the future looks bright.
Source: Deadline