Hulu may not be moving forward with its adaptation, but I’ll be shocked if another network or streamer does not snag the rights toA Court of Thorns & Rosesafter Sarah J. Maas' new licensing deal. Despite itspopularity on BookTok, Maas' best-selling fantasy series has yet to come to the screen. This is disappointing, especially with other hits likePowerlessandDivine Rivalsgetting adaptations.
The lack of news on thenextA Court of Thorns & Rosesbookhas only added to frustrations, with readers eager to know when the sixth installment will be released and what it will be about. Even so, the fandom continues to celebrate Maas' series, discussing theories and embracing fan events and cosplay to make up for the lack of new content.
Fortunately, Maas' new licensing deal, reported on byThe Hollywood Reporter,givesACOTARfans something to be excited about. Not only does it mean that they can fill their lives with moreACOTAR-themed products, butit makes it all the more likely that Hollywood will see the value in adapting the romantasy books.
Sarah J. Maas' New Licensing Deal Is A Huge Step For Her Best-Selling Fantasy Series
Maas' Deal Will Allow For New Merchandise And ACOTAR-Themed Experiences
Maas has entered into a deal with IMG Licensing, giving the company exclusive rights to turn elements of her best-selling fantasy books into merchandise and events. According toTHR,clothing, cosmetics, toys, and decor are among the products that could come from this partnership. Fans could also see “immersive experiences,” though it’s not clear what those might be.
Such a licensing deal is notable forACOTARand Maas' other stories, as none of them have actually been turned into movies or TV shows just yet. The fact that IMG Licensing believes titles likeACOTAR, Throne of Glass,andCrescent Citywill sell is a clear sign of how massive Maas' backlist is — even without adaptations behind them.
This deal makes me hopeful that another company will realize there’s money to be made from the series.
This deal truly drives home how popularA Court of Thorns & Rosesis, both in online book spaces and outside of them. Paired with the reality that merchandise could draw new readers to her work,Hulu scrapping itsACOTARseries feels somewhat ridiculousnow. But this deal makes me hopeful that another company will realize there’s money to be made from the series.
If The Books Are Getting Merch, A Court Of Thorns & Roses Show Needs To Happen
It’s An Obvious Decision, Especially If The Merch Sells
If theA Court of Thorns & Rosesbooks are getting a merchandising deal like this, thencreating an adaptation of the series feels like an obvious next step. In fact, for most properties, the adaptation would come before products became widely available. In this sense, Maas' deal feels unprecedented, but it offers hope for those still waiting for anACOTARshow.
The news that Hulu’sA Court of Thorns & Rosesshow wasn’t moving forward arrived in February 2025.
After all, this deal shows that there’s demand for more products based on Maas' books; otherwise, IMG Licensing likely wouldn’t bother. And thefan petition regarding Hulu’s canceledACOTARshowsuggests that demand extends to an adaptation. For many, seeing their favorite characters on-screen would probably be more satisfying.
At the very least,this licensing deal forA Court of Thorns & Rosescould show studios what they are missingin terms of possible profit. With Maas reportedly planning to shop the series around (viaVariety) and this new deal in play, studios could be given ample reason to give this adaptation a second chance.
Sarah J. Maas' New Deal Could Push Hollywood To Prioritize An ACOTAR Adaptation
ACOTAR’s Popularity Could Override Studios' Fantasy Reluctance
Hollywood could prioritize theA Court of Thorns & Rosesadaptation if Maas' merchandising deal is successful, allowing them to get past their previous reluctance over fantasy projects. Maas' series has long been one of manyromantasy obsessions that deserve a movie or show, especially after Hulu canceled its ACOTAR adaptation.
It could work alongside other romantasy shows and movies to ensureA Court of Thorns & Rosesgets its due.
As other studios join the romantasy race with adaptations likeFourth WingandQuicksilver,it only makes sense to include one of the genre’s most popular — if not the most popular — series in that. A successful licensing deal should make this more enticing, and it could work alongside other romantasy shows and movies to ensureA Court of Thorns & Rosesgets its due.
