'Fourth Wing' casting: Fans react to Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya as Violet and Xaden

Prime Video's adaptation has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with excitement and disappointment over the choices

The reported casting of Esther McGregor as Violet Sorrengail and Emilio Sakraya as Xaden Riorson in Prime Video’s upcoming Fourth Wing adaptation has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with excitement and disappointment emerging over the choices.

According to Deadline, the two actors have been selected for the leading roles in the fantasy series, based on Rebecca Yarros’s bestselling Empyrean novels.

Before the news emerged, fans had their own ideas about who should portray the central characters. Josh Heuston, known for playing Justin Kohl in Off Campus, had become a popular fan choice for Xaden, while Inde Navarrette was frequently suggested for Violet.

Following the reports, fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their reactions.

While some welcomed the casting decisions, others expressed disappointment that the actors did not match their preferred fan casting.

oh this might be the finest man prime has casted in a minute https://t.co/9UcKwwCVCP

— ❦ (@voguesrare) October 15, 2026

might get me to read it https://t.co/gXG0tXjr4R

— tia (@cursedhive) October 15, 2026

I’m sorry, what?
Not at ALL how I pictured Violet. Not gonna lie. Think that’s a horrible casting for her. https://t.co/jkeup9FEVh

— Syd (@sydnrho) October 15, 2026

How did they nail the male casting so well but fail so badly with the female lead https://t.co/gZzPlP4BeS

— Mel (@jellymelly1217) October 15, 2026

She already has the tattoos and the “I will survive Basgiath” stare. The dragons are about to fight over her. 🐉

— 𓆩𝐑𝐀𝐉𝐈𓆪 (@rajiacc) October 15, 2026

OH SHES SO PRETTY #MYVIOLET IM SO HYPED FOR THIS https://t.co/TUUEToHQLn

— zee 🍉 (@gorohart) October 15, 2026

Nevertheless, the announcement has brought the highly anticipated adaptation a step closer to becoming a reality.

McGregor previously appeared as Mirren in Prime Video’s We Were Liars and has also featured in Babygirl and The Room Next Door.

Sakraya, a German actor, starred in the 2024 Netflix film 60 Minutes and the 2022 film Rheingold.

Amazon announced the adaptation in October 2023, with Michael B. Jordan’s production company, Outlier Society, serving as an executive producer.

However, the series remains in pre-production, with further casting announcements and a release date yet to be confirmed.