In 2015, Sarah J. Maas ignited the romantasy craze with “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” which follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who is dragged into the treacherous, magical lands of Prythian. There, she finds herself caught in a web of ancient faerie curses and high-heat passion. Now a powerhouse book series, the franchise is renowned for its signature spice and world-shattering romance.
While fans eagerly await the sixth and seventh installments, which are slated for late 2026 and early 2027, the long-promised TV adaptation remains trapped in a drama messier than a High Lord’s wedding. Five years after Hulu first announced the project, the series sits in limbo following creative differences.
Maas, however, is undeterred. During her March 2026 appearance on Alex Cooper’s podcast “Call Her Daddy,” she leaned into her self-proclaimed “type A” reputation, insisting on a partner who fully shares her vision. As the search for a new home continues, we’re stepping in—acting as the Cauldron’s own casting directors—to find the talent capable of surviving the Night Court. Here’s our pick for who should be cast in “ACOTAR.”
Credit: Netflix
Sadie Sink as Feyre Archeron
Since her breakout as Max Mayfield on Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” Sink has evolved into a standout performer defined by a rare, jagged intensity. She is our definitive choice to anchor Feyre’s journey, possessing the raw survivor energy required to transition from a starving mortal to a battle-hardened High Lady. Feyre’s transformation isn’t just about magic—it’s about a bone-deep grit and a refusal to break, traits that the fiery, formidable Sink has already mastered (think about that iconic “Running Up That Hill” scene in “Stranger Things”). With her proven ability to command the screen through silence and storm alike, Sink is perfectly equipped to bring Feyre’s fierce hero’s heart to life.
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Sophie Thatcher as Nesta Archeron
Thatcher is a top-tier fan cast for Nesta, as she excels at playing characters with a hard shell that masks deep-seated trauma. Her breakout role as teen Natalie on Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” showcased her ability to be biting, defensive, and resilient, all hallmarks of Nesta’s prickly personality. Thatcher possesses an innate, icy allure that aligns seamlessly with the Lady Death persona; she can captivate a room with a look that feels both regal and predatory. Therefore, we think she’d be a natural fit for Nesta’s journey from guarded socialite to vengeful Valkyrie.
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Jade Pettyjohn as Elain Archeron
Pettyjohn is our casting pick for Elain because we think the actor can easily capture the soft but haunted energy of the middle sister. Known for her ability to play characters with polished, delicate exteriors that hide a deep internal life, as seen on Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere,” Pettyjohn has the range to navigate Elain’s transition from a gentle mortal gardener to a traumatized, powerful Seer. Her ethereal aesthetic and proven ability to deliver emotional vulnerability make her ideal for portraying a character who is often underestimated but possesses a steely strength.
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Luke Eisner as Tamlin
Eisner already has a connection to the High Lord of the Spring Court, as he was cast as Tamlin in the TikTok-based Pixel Playhouse’s unofficial “ACOTAR” musical. That’s likely why the soon-to-be star of Fox’s “Baywatch” reboot remains top of mind for the role among fans of the series. While he might have to bulk up a bit to match the character’s rugged description, it would not be the first time an actor has spent time at the gym in preparation for a role. With Eisner’s prince-like appearance (and that dreamy voice), we think it’d be well worth the effort for him to bring this High Fae to life.
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Thomas Doherty as Rhysand
We can’t imagine anyone better than Doherty saying, or should we say purring, “Hello, Feyre, darling.” As the definitive fan-favorite for Rhysand, Doherty captures the High Lord’s razor-sharp balance of lethal cruelty and heart-melting charm. He mastered this duality through his roles as the seductive predator in 2022’s horror “The Invitation” and as the soulful romantic on Hulu’s “Paradise.” With his ink-black hair, mysterious, simmering eyes, and a smirk that feels like a dangerous invitation, he already embodies the Night Court’s aesthetic. His recent turn on Hulu’s “Tell Me Lies” only cements his status, proving he can play a complex, magnetic lead who keeps the audience perpetually guessing. Doherty wouldn’t just step into the role of Rhys; he’d seize it, promising to make the story’s central love triangle truly electric.
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Will Poulter as Lucien Vanserra
Our top pick for the clever High Fae of the Autumn Court is Poulter, who possesses the exact fox-like charisma needed to bring Lucien to life. Poulter carries a sharp wit behind his eyes, a look that suggests he’s always three steps ahead of the room, which is the cornerstone of Lucien’s character. Known for his transformative range in 2015’s “The Revenant” and 2023’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” he excels at playing characters who are simultaneously intimidating and deeply empathetic. This duality is essential for a loyal emissary forced to balance protective duty with the harsh truths of his past. Poulter would bring a compelling gravity to the role (along with some humor), ensuring Lucien is every bit the scene-stealer he is on the page.
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KJ Apa as Azriel
We think Apa can swap his “Riverdale” varsity jacket for some Illyrian wings to play Azriel on the “ACOTAR” series. While the actor is famous for being the boy next door, he’s got that secret dark and dangerous range needed to play a Shadowsinger who communicates mostly through intense stares and lingering silences. If he can trade the wholesome appeal of comic book character Archie Andrews for Azriel’s mysterious vibes, he’d easily become the high-fiving, shadow-whispering heartthrob the fandom is dying for.
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Lucien Laviscount as Cassian
As for who should play Cassian, we think Laviscount would be well-suited to the role. He already has the physique to make those Illyrian leathers look dangerous, but it’s his cheeky smile that perfectly nails Cass’ golden retriever chaos. Transitioning from the polished, suit-wearing charm of Alfie on Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” to the Night Court’s most fiercely loyal warrior is the glow-up we deserve. Whether he’s leading a legion into battle or playing the boisterous brother who lives to annoy Rhysand, Laviscount brings a grounded intensity to someone who can ruin your life and save it in the same breath. Not to mention, we think he would bring the vulnerability that is essential to the Nessian dynamic.
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Isabel May as Morrigan
As the Night Court’s third-in-command, Morrigan requires an actor who can pivot from ethereal beauty to deadly strength—and May is just that. Many outlets have stated that her role as Elsa Dutton on Paramount+’s “1883” demonstrated a tenacity that aligns with Mor’s history as a survivor and warrior. Standing tall at 5'9", May offers a physical parity to the Illyrian generals while maintaining the bubbly, magnetic warmth that defines Mor’s personality and friendship with Feyre.
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Joy Sunday as Amren
We think Sunday would be a smart choice for Amren. After watching her play the cold, hyper-competitive Bianca Barclay on Netflix’s “Wednesday,” it’s easy to see her stepping into the role of the second-in-command to the High Lord of the Night Court. Amren is famously small in stature but holds the most terrifying power in the Inner Circle. Sunday exudes that Queen Bee energy—someone who doesn’t need to raise her voice to make an entire room (or a High Lord) stop and listen.
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Where to find casting calls for the upcoming “ACOTAR” adaptation
While development has been delayed indefinitely, we have no doubt that the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” adaptation will find a new home. But until we know more about the show’s future, we recommend checking out our roundup of fantasy gigs that are casting right now. You might also want to bookmark our main fantasy casting page as it regularly updates with the latest related jobs as they become available. And don’t forget to check back here for updates on where the series stands!
