Netflix has seemingly recommitted to the fantasy genre despite its recent streak of canceling such shows. 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

Netflix is not shy about canceling popular fantasy TV shows; it even Kaos wasn't even on the streamer for 40 days before it was canceled.

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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 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

Group of people walking on a mountain for The Witcher: Blood Origin with the Netflix logo on top

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. the Arcane showrunner recently confirmed a fourth region will be explored in the 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.

Clearly, Netflix is hopeful about its current and 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

Saeris Fane, a 24-year-old thief with secret alchemical powers, accidentally opens a portal to Yvelia, a frozen realm inhabited by the Fae. There, she becomes bound to Kingfisher, a formidable Fae warrior with hidden motives. Together, they navigate a perilous world of magic and conflict, forging an uneasy alliance that challenges their perceptions of trust and destiny.

Streaming Service(s)
Netflix
Creator(s)
Callie Hart