In 2016, Hulu announced it would be adapting Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass, and created a buzz of excitement among fans of her epic fantasy novels. The TV show was to originally be named Queen of Shadows, after the fourth book in the series—and Maas had even teased early script developments for the pilot episode on her Throne of Glass TV show adaptation have been made since.

It's unfortunate Hulu never made any progress with the project, as the source material has the capacity to become a worldwide phenomenon that could rival the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones. And the immersive world-building, political landscape, and magic system found throughout the Hulu's forgotten Sarah J. Maas adaptation is a major letdown—and with little information as to why the project was shelved, it's unlikely fans will see this series on screens any time soon.

Hulu's Throne Of Glass Show Could Have Been A Great Game Of Thrones Replacement

Throne Of Glass Has Many Similar Themes To Game Of Thrones

HBO's Game of Thrones adaptation was a huge success worldwide, and that's largely due to George R.R. Martin's incredible source material. The TV show was adapted from Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice books, and goes to show that a large fantasy series can be adapted for television well if done properly—and Throne of Glass would have had equal success with its own series adaptation had Hulu continued forward with the project. Throne of Glass' expansive world-building would have lent itself to becoming an award-winning show, similar to Game of Thrones.

Although there are similar themes between the two fantasy series, Throne of Glass has its own unique qualities that wouldn't have made its adaptation feel like a Game of Thrones regurgitation.

Maas' Throne of Glass books are full of similar themes to the HBO hit, including its many political dynamics, magic systems, fantastical creatures, and a lost queen taking back her throne. Although there are similar themes between the two fantasy series, Throne of Glass has its own unique qualities that wouldn't have made its adaptation feel like a Game of Thrones regurgitation. Their similarities simply prove Throne of Glass would have done well on screen, and bringing some of its terrifying creatures and characters to life—like wyverns and the valg—would have made for a great TV show.

Hulu Dropped The Ball On Throne Of Glass' Potential To Become A Fantasy Hit

Hulu's Adaptation Could Have Been The Next Game Of Thrones

Game of Thrones was a worldwide phenomenon, and arguably the best fantasy series adaptation of the last ten years. However, Hulu's Throne of Glass TV show had the potential to become an even bigger hit. Aside from the sprawling universe and epic action sequences found throughout Maas' best-selling fantasy series, its large cast of characters would have had a huge impact on Hulu's adaptation—and could have led to exciting Throne of Glass casting choices. Given Throne of Glass is written in multiple POVs, Hulu would have had the opportunity to really expand upon some of the series' smaller side characters.

Throne of Glass'

narrative also lends itself to an easily adaptable and long-run series, as Aelin's path to reclaiming her kingdom spans over eight novels. And as the plot builds throughout the books, so do the stakes and the growing threat of Maeve and the Valg—something that would have kept audiences on the edge of their seats season after season. Additionally, Aelin Galathynius is one of the best female main characters in the fantasy genre to-date, and her character, alongside many others, would have made Hulu's Throne of Glass adaptation stand out among others in the genre.