Shadow and Bone Season Three Cancelled - Cast and Fan Reactions
Much to the heartbreak of Grishaverse fans around the world, Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series was officially cancelled by Netflix on the 15th of November 2023. Although the scripts were said to have been written for the show’s spin off series, Six of Crows, that show has also been axed and will never brought to fruition.
It’s speculated that the shows were cancelled due to falling viewer numbers for Shadow and Bone’s second season, which launched on the 16th of March 2023. Regardless of the reason, this cancellation has brought a sudden end to a much loved book series with a cult following.
The author, Leigh Bardugo broke the news on her Instagram account, where she said:
“Friends, by now you've probably heard that there will be no season three for Shadow and Bone. The news hit me hard. I'm heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I'm also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude. Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I'm one of the lucky few who can look at an adaptation with pride and tremendous joy."
The Cast Reaction
Many members of the Shadow and Bone cast also expressed their shock and sorrow towards the cancellation of the series.
Ben Barnes who portrayed General Krigan wrote on Instagram:
“I was so excited to watch the brilliant, beautiful humans I love so much who made Shadow & Bone take this world, their characters and this story onwards. This part of the journey is sorrowful and I am so proud to have been a part of it.”
Amita Suman, who played Dregs assassin and fan favourite Inej Ghafa, added that she was “lost for words”
"At the beginning, I remember so clearly telling our incredible showrunner 'Inej will always be one of my favourite characters I will have the honour of playing', and that will forever be true.
"Not just because she has taught me to be a better person, opened so many doors, but also because she has given me in abundance, a found family, unforgettable memories, laughter lines, the honor of working alongside a cast and crew I looked forward to seeing everyday."
Kit Young, who portrayed Jesper, said that playing the character was one of “the greatest highlights of my career and my life so far to play Jesper and be your gunslinger.”
This sentiment was echoed on Instagram stories by Archie Renaux, who played Malyen, and said that he “Loved working on the show and loved working with everyone involved, truly a special time in my life”.
Finally, the fabulous Kaz Brekker actor Freddy Carter stated that:
“At some point, I’II have the right words to express the immense gratitude I feel to everyone who put their whole hearts into making, watching and supporting Shadow and Bone. Until then, I’ll just say, thank you.”
What the fans thought
Laura, known as @laura_the_book_peanut on Instagram and Laura M on Youtube said that:
“I can see why the show is getting canceled. Netflix is a company and if the show going to cost more money to make it then it’s making, it’s not profitable. For me, personally, I thought it was a pretty good adaptation. But nothing can really beat the imagination you have in your head if the characters, the places, and most importantly, the action!”
Matina from @breathing_pages added:
“I love Leigh Bardugo’s books, so when I saw that an adaptation for Shadow and Bone was happening, I was really excited. Leigh Bardugo’s characters are so complex and to see them come to life was thrilling. I truly loved the show. The performances were stellar, and I was really disappointed when the show got cancelled; and surprised, because there is a big fan base behind the books and the show. There were people campaigning for its return. I would love to see the story of the Crows as a spinoff, too. I hope we haven’t seen the last chapter of the story yet.”
Sadly, and despite the furious reaction from fans and outpouring of sorrow from the cast, it doesn’t seem likely that the Grishaverse will be returning to TV screens any time soon. Sounds like it might be time to reread the books - no mourners, no funerals.
More Blog Posts
What Order Should I Read A Court Of Thorns And Roses By Sarah J Maas?