Netflix Should Consider Adapting This 30-Year-Old Fantasy Series Featuring a Female Sword-Wielding Heroine If The Witcher Recasting Fails

The anticipation surrounding Netflix’s The Witcher is tinged with skepticism, as many fans express disappointment over its pacing and storylines. As other fantasy series grapple with similar challenges, it prompts a discussion about what new adaptations streaming platforms will pursue to find the next big hit. One standout prospect is the Australian fantasy series that will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025: Sabriel.

Currently, fantasy is capturing significant attention, for better and worse, largely due to Netflix’s substantial investments in the genre. The platform has notably embraced adaptations of fantasy novels, including Shadow and Bone, Cursed, and The Sandman. However, Netflix has shown a tendency to end popular series prematurely, as evidenced by the recent cancellation of Shadow and Bone. Despite this, Netflix remains committed to fantasy projects, recently acquiring the adaptation rights to Quicksilver, potentially setting the stage for a smooth transition should The Witcher underperform. Yet, there is an even more compelling adaptation opportunity that Netflix could capitalize on: Sabriel.

Unveiling Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom Series: A Worthy Contender

A Rich Tapestry of Magic, Swords, and Monstrous Foes

A collage of three covers of Garth Nix's Sabriel

Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom series, known as Abhorsen in North America, stands as a premier example of modern fantasy literature. This series is filled with diverse elements that would contribute to a successful streaming adaptation. The protagonist, Sabriel, wields the ancient art of necromancy in her battle against the Dead, who threaten the realm’s very existence.

The title “Abhorsen”draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure, referencing an executioner’s role, setting a tone of authority and tension that resonates throughout the series.

While Sabriel shares similarities with The Witcher, it distinctly carves its own niche. As a heroine adept in both magic and swordsmanship, she engages with formidable otherworldly foes, with a romantic subplot featuring Touchstone, a brooding swordsman shrouded in mystery. Complementing this duo is Mogget, a sarcastic and enigmatic talking cat who provides comic relief, akin to the troubadour Joey Batey in The Witcher.

The Complex World of the Old Kingdom

Exploring Ancelstierre: The Non-Magical Counterpart

A collage of covers of Garth Nix's books Lirael and Abhorsen

The Old Kingdom is just one facet of a much larger world. At its boundary lies the Wall, a significant stone structure that demarcates the end of magic. Beyond this Wall lies Ancelstierre, a land reflecting the early 20th century in England, complete with private schools and a deep appreciation for tea. Sabriel’s upbringing in Ancelstierre adds a layer of complexity, as she struggles to reconcile her heritage with her limited understanding of her magical legacy.

The stark contrast between Ancelstierre’s technology and the magical chaos of the Old Kingdom creates a compelling backdrop for storytelling. As Sabriel navigates her journey, her growth is mirrored in her interactions with Mogget, whose unpredictable nature adds to the narrative’s richness.

A Golden Opportunity for Netflix

The Growing Demand for Female Protagonists in Fantasy

With its compelling narratives involving magical symbols, enchanted bells capable of controlling the undead, and the exploration of a parallel world, The Old Kingdom offers a distinctive brand of fantasy that speaks to fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones. Additionally, the presence of Sabriel as a protagonist aligns well with the recent trend favoring strong female characters in fantasy, comparable to Netflix’s successes like Damsel and Hulu’s The Princess.

The potential for adapting Sabriel and its sequels is immense, creating opportunities for compelling narratives within today’s streaming landscape. While Garth Nix explored film adaptations in the mid-2000s, no substantial efforts have come to fruition since. With the world of The Old Kingdom now expanded through prequels and sequels, the time is ripe for a dedicated adaptation. If Netflix hopes to move past The Witcher, they should seize this opportunity, ensuring they do justice to the beloved source material.

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