Hulu's TikTok Famous ACOTAR Series May Rival Rings of Power and GoT - CBR - Comic Book Resources
2022 has been a banner year for fantasy streaming. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, streaming on Prime Video, is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings, which revolutionized the fantasy genre and promises to again. House of the Dragon, streaming on HBO Max, is a prequel to Game of Thrones, one of the greatest contemporary fantasies. The Sandman, an adaptation of one of the greatest fantasy comics written by one of the greatest contemporary fantasy authors, is currently streaming on Netflix. Noticeably absent from the list of major fantasy streamers, though, is Hulu.
In spite of being something of a streaming mecca for television and putting out numerous prestige TV programs, Hulu 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 well-known 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 abbreviated as ACOTAR. Given how well it resonates with its rabid fanbase, especially those on TikTok, and the number of metaphorical boxes it checks for a modern fantasy series, from its progressive values and sex positivity to its unique takes on the genre, ACOTAR has the ingredients for success.
Much like House of the Dragon or The Rings of Power, ACOTAR is part of the high fantasy genre, taking place in a Great Britain that has been largely overtaken by fae, this version of the "wee ones" being humanlike people with seemingly unending lifespans and magical powers. The first novel is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a feminist revision. The remainder of the series is based upon the myth of Hades and Persephone. However, the complexity of the series is reliant upon deceiving the reader. The central protagonist, Feyre, is established rather early on as an unreliable narrator.
This is unique in that, rather than being plot-driven like The Rings of Power and a lot of high fantasy, ACOTAR is more character-driven like House of the Dragon. 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 complexity of the series and the progressive aspects of it appeal to the complexities of the modern audience.
The most notable aspect of ACOTAR that makes it ripe for 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. One of Sarah J. Maas' other series, Throne of Glass, has a card game. Much like Game of Thrones, The Sandman, and of course The Rings of Power, ACOTAR has a large fanbase who will gladly jump onboard the project. In fact, many have already been asking such actors as Sam Heughan of Outlander whether they are involved with the project given the deep lore and development of the saga.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is being adapted under the microscope of its fanbase, with the showrunner of Outlander currently attached. As the series gets closer to fruition, it further confirms its strong staying power and likely ability to compete with the likes of The Rings of Power and House of the Dragon. It will be interesting to see how well the adaptation lives up to fan expectations as the novels get closer to becoming Hulu's entry into the fantasy streaming wars.
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