Amazon Prime Video is developing two major new fantasy book adaptations, but neither is the long-awaited replacement for The Wheel of Time that fans have been hoping for. The cancellation of The Wheel of Time came as a surprise, especially after a critically acclaimed third season that was widely praised by both reviewers and audiences. Despite citing budget constraints and viewership numbers as the reasons for ending the series, Amazon shows no signs of stepping back from the fantasy genre, with several new projects currently in various stages of development.
Since the conclusion of Game of Thrones, fantasy has experienced a major resurgence in Hollywood. Amazon has invested heavily in the genre, pouring premium resources into series like The Wheel of Time and The Rings of Power in hopes of crafting shows as immersive and gripping as HBO’s fantasy epic. Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time novels, among the most prolific in the genre, were a fitting foundation for such an ambitious adaptation, offering the kind of sprawling, high-stakes narrative fans associate with Thrones. Now, however, Amazon appears to be shifting its strategy, taking a fresh approach to fantasy storytelling.
Amazon’s Powerless and Fourth Wing Adaptations Could Be Fantasy’s Next Big Hits
Amazon recently announced its adaptation of Powerless, the YA fantasy series by Lauren Roberts, while Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros has reportedly been in development since 2023—though updates on that project have been scarce. The Powerless trilogy blends high fantasy, romance, and dystopian elements, centering on a thief who is thrust into a deadly competition known as the “Purging Trials” after she saves the life of a prince. The setup evokes comparisons to The Hunger Games, with high stakes and emotional intensity driving the story.
Released in 2023, Fourth Wing quickly became one of the most popular modern fantasy novels, followed by its sequels Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. Together, they form the Empyrean series, which follows Violet Sorrengail—the daughter of a powerful general—who is sent to Basgiath War College to train as a dragon rider. Despite the series’ immense popularity, the TV adaptation of Fourth Wing remains in development, with no clear timeline for when production will move forward, leaving fans eagerly awaiting updates.
Amazon’s Powerless and Fourth Wing Will Differ Greatly from The Wheel of Time
While Powerless and Fourth Wing are both standout entries in today’s fantasy landscape, they differ significantly from The Wheel of Time. Robert Jordan’s iconic series emerged in the late 20th century, a time when much of the genre still echoed the high-fantasy traditions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Despite its own depth and originality, The Wheel of Time shares that classic appeal. In contrast, 21st-century fantasy has embraced bold new directions, with young adult and “romantasy” titles—stories that blend fantasy and romance—surging in popularity, especially through platforms like TikTok and other social media.
The End of Wheel of Time Isn’t the End for Amazon’s Fantasy Ambitions
It’s easy to understand the frustration of fans who hoped to see more of The Wheel of Time, only to hear that YA and romance-driven fantasy are taking center stage instead. While these new adaptations offer something different, the upside of rising genre trends is that their success could pave the way for broader investment in epic fantasy. Although The Wheel of Time may take time to return, its legacy could help open doors for other expansive series—like Malazan or The Stormlight Archive—once studios feel confident in the genre’s staying power.
The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes—along with several underperforming fantasy adaptations—have made studios more cautious about investing heavily in large-scale projects like The Wheel of Time. For now, big-budget epic fantasy may be on pause. However, if series like Powerless or Fourth Wing find an audience and deliver strong returns, Amazon could very well revisit other ambitious titles. Meanwhile, The Rings of Power remains active with ongoing support from the studio. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that fantasy is far from dead at Amazon—its future just might take a different shape for now.
