In 2023, Netflix made the controversial decision to cancel Shadow and Bone, leaving fans of the series and the beloved Grishaverse novels in dismay. The cancellation struck a particularly painful chord for those who were eagerly anticipating the adaptation of Six of Crows, a fan-favorite book by Leigh Bardugo. Ben Barnes, who portrayed the enigmatic Darkling, recently reignited this disappointment by discussing what could have been, had the series continued.
The announcement comes as Barnes reflected on the untapped potential of the series during an interview with Mama’s Geeky. He expressed his affection for the stories and lamented the missed opportunity to explore the narrative arcs of the crow characters.
“It was a good show, and I love those stories. And I think sadly the best stories that Leigh Bardugo wrote, the Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom stories – I love those books – and I’m sad for the guys who were playing the crow characters, because they would have really gotten to expand on that world and those characters,”
Barnes shared.
The Unfulfilled Promise of Six of Crows
Before the cancellation, it was widely reported that a writers’ room had been actively working on a Six of Crows adaptation. Fans were tantalizingly close to seeing the intricate Ice Court heist brought to life, a pivotal event in the book where Kaz, Inej, Nina, Jesper, and Wylan undertake a daring mission. Season 2 of Shadow and Bone had set the stage perfectly, with the heist job proposed and Matthias still imprisoned, setting up a thrilling continuation that will now never materialize.
Reflecting on the potential of the series, Barnes noted,
“I became very, very protective of that cast, and [I was] really kind of rooting for them all in their own lives but also as characters. And I wanted to see them thrive. And I would have liked to watch the Six of Crows story. I love a heist.”
Impact of the Cancellation
The cancellation of Shadow and Bone is part of a broader trend of streaming services axing shows before their stories are fully told. This decision has left many narratives incomplete, frustrating fans who are left with unresolved plotlines. According to industry analysts, this trend can be attributed to the shifting priorities of streaming platforms, which are increasingly driven by immediate viewership metrics rather than long-term storytelling potential.
Meanwhile, the disappointment among fans is palpable. The Grishaverse community, which had rallied around the series, is left to imagine what could have been. The potential for character development and the unfolding of complex relationships, such as those between Kaz and Inej or Nina and Matthias, remain unexplored on screen.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Grishaverse
Despite the setback, the Grishaverse continues to thrive in other forms. Fans can revisit the first two seasons of Shadow and Bone on Netflix or dive into the rich narratives of Bardugo’s novels. The Six of Crows duology, in particular, remains a beacon of hope for a future adaptation, whether on screen or through other media.
As Barnes and fans alike hold onto the possibility of a revival, the enduring popularity of the Grishaverse suggests that its stories are far from over. Whether through fan campaigns or renewed interest from production companies, the potential for a return to the world of Shadow and Bone remains an exciting prospect.
For now, the Grishaverse community can only dream of what might have been while cherishing the stories that continue to capture the imaginations of readers and viewers around the world.
