Netflix’s ‘Shadow and Bone’ adaptation: Watch the latest teaser
One of the most anticipated upcoming Netflix series is the adaptation of Shadow and Bone. This TV series based on the Grishaverse novels by Leigh Bardugo released a teaser trailer today, Feb. 26. Oh boy, we’re definitely excited for this upcoming series. For one, we’re getting more Imperial Russia vibes than Medieval England, which makes sense considering the book series. Still, it feels new, you know?
In the world of Ravka, people have to deal with the Shadow Fold. Within the Fold, there is perpetual darkness and horrifying monsters within. But there are people called Grisha, who can manipulate the elements to be used as weapons, that can fight back against the monsters. We follow a Grisha named Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), who can manipulate light. Needless to say, she’s going to be pretty valuable.
What do we know about Netflix’s Shadow and Bone?
The two-and-a-half-minute teaser trailer, which is more of a trailer than a teaser but okay, we see Alina, a member of the First Army, board a ship to head into the Shadow Fold. When her ship is attacked by winged volcra that besieged the vessel, which unlocks Alina’s power over light. This catches the eye of General Kirigan (Ben Barnes), who enlists her into the Second Army.
Now, this mapmaker is put in the center of political intrigue, dangerous machinations, and secrets regarding the Shadow Fold. In the trailer, we also get our first look at Archie Renaux as Malyen Oretsev, Alina’s childhood friend. In addition, there’s the Six of Crows gang: Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker, Amita Suman as Inej, and Kit Young as Jesper Fahey.
Bardugo serves as a producer on Shadow and Bone. In addition, Eric Heisserer is the showrunner for the series with Lee Toland Krieger as director. Also, oh wow, this Netflix series looks dark, but it also looks amazing. Sure, it’s dark, but given the need for it in the series, we can excuse it. At least we can see everything!
What do I need to know about the Grishaverse?
Shadow and Bone is the first book of the Grishaverse, which includes a trilogy, two duologies, and a collection of short stories. Needless to say, if Shadow and Bone is a success, then Netflix has a lot of real estate to play with in terms of content for the streamer, you know? Bardugo is still actively working on the trilogy.
If you’re curious about the series, then start with 2012’s Shadow and Bone. Following this are two sequels Siege and Storm (2013) and Ruin and Rising (2014). One duology for the Grishaverse is Six of Crows (2015) and Crooked Kingdom (2016) and the second is King of Scars (2019) and Rule of Wolves (2021). Finally, the collection of stories from the Grishaverse is called The Language of Thorns (2017).
Other than, it’s a complex world that is rich in lore that Bardugo has created. One that promises to be a great franchise for Netflix if it succeeds as people think it will. It’s especially interesting as Shadow and Bone will add in parts of Six of Crows that take place at the same time. It allows for a more richer storytelling experience. Hopefully, the writers can balance things out.
Should we watch it?
Based on that trailer? We’re going to give our thumbs up. It looks amazing across the board. We already love Li’s Starkov, so we can’t wait to see what she can really do when the series begins. If you’re curious about Shadow and Bone, then be sure to watch it on April 26 when Netflix releases the episodes.
