Hulu snags kindred’s curse rights; heidi cole mcadams leads fantasy romance adaptation

Hulu is betting big on romantasy, securing the rights to adapt Penn Cole’s critically acclaimed Kindred’s Curse Saga. This marks a significant move in the burgeoning genre, fueled by the success of titles like Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Everflame: the spark that ignites hulu’s fantasy push

Everflame: the spark that ignites hulu’s fantasy push

The initial project, Spark of the Everflame, will be streamlined into a single-book adaptation titled Everflame. Deadline reports that writer and producer Heidi Cole McAdams – known for her work on The 100, Death and Other Details, and Stumptown – is spearheading the creative direction as co-creator. Cole herself emphasized the importance of preserving the core themes and beloved elements of the series for a visual audience.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Heidi Cole McAdams to adapt The Kindred’s Curse Saga,” Cole stated. “She truly understands the core messages of the series and what makes Diem’s story compelling. Heidi has an incredible eye for re-imagining the story for a visual medium while preserving the aspects of the books that readers love most, and her enthusiasm for collaboration makes her an author’s dream to work with. I have no doubt this adaptation will be as beloved to new audiences as it will be to the series’ passionate fanbase.”

The story itself centers on Diem Bellator, a healer navigating a treacherous landscape – Emarion – once ruled by immortal beings called the Kindred, now dominated by the ruthless Descended. She finds herself entangled with Luther Corbois, a Prince of Lumnos, a key player in one of the land’s most powerful houses. Expect a slow-burn narrative steeped in romantic tension, a formula that’s generating considerable buzz across the Entertainment landscape.

But the wave of romantasy adaptations doesn’t stop there. Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society are bringing Fourth Wing to Prime Video, while Sony Pictures Television has secured the rights to Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Blood and Ash series. Netflix is also diving in with Quicksilver, courtesy of Callie Hart. Sadly, Hulu’s adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses has been shelved, though author Sarah J. Maas has recently reclaimed the rights, leaving the door open for a potential reboot – a testament to the enduring popularity of the series.

As audiences seek immersive experiences, Everflame joins a crowded field. It remains to be seen which legendary landscape – from Night City’s neon dystopia to Viking Mercia’s brutal battlefields or the otherworldly visuals of Planet of Lana – will ultimately capture the imaginations of viewers.