Heads up, Grishaverse fans, this is not a drill! After hiding in the shadows, the hit fantasy drama series Shadow and Bone has officially kicked off production for its second season in Budapest, Hungary.
Based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels, Shadow and Bone follows the story of orphan and lowly soldier Alina Starkov discovering she has an extraordinary power that can be the key to her country Ravka’s freedom. While learning more about her powers, Alina also learns the actual secrets behind the darkness that splits Ravka in two.
The Shadow and Bone series adapted Bardugo’s 2012 trilogy of the same name and the duology that begins with Six of Crows (2015). Meanwhile, the second season of the series will adapt Bardugo’s Siege and Storm and other books in the Grishaverse series.
The official Instagram account of Shadow and Bone confirmed on January 14 that they are beginning the filming of the series’ second season by posting a cast photo with a caption, saying, “Thank the Saints production is beginning on Season 2 of Shadow and Bone.”
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As if it could not get any better, the original cast of Shadow and Bone will reprise their roles for the second season. Jessie Mei Lei will return as Alina Starkov, Archie Renaux as Malyen, and Ben Barnes as General Kirigan/The Darkling. Armita Suman, Calahan Skogman, Danielle Galiggan, Freddy Carter, and Kit Young are also returning.
“We are finally back in production in Budapest of Season 2 of Shadow and Bone,” the returning cast of the show said in a 37-second video clip. The video also introduced the four new cast members who will join the magical ride to the Grishaverse.
New season. New cast. We'll see you all in the shadows. pic.twitter.com/8B4AdhZrJE
— Shadow And Bone (@shadowandbone_) January 13, 2022
Irish actor Patrick Gibson—who is known for his role in 2016 show The OA—will play the role of Nikolai Lantsov, the former king of Ravkan, who is also the infamous privateer Stumhond. Mortal Kombat star Lewis Tan and Traces actor Anna Leong Brophy will portray the Heartrender twins Tolya Yul-Bataar and Tamar Kir-Bataar, respectively. The last addition to the production’s ensemble is The Witcher star Jack Wolfe, who will bring to life Wylan Hendriks, a demolitions expert.
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On June 7, 2021, it was confirmed that the series has been renewed for a second season and will return with eight episodes.
As per Deadline, Bardugo, the author of the Grishaverse novels and executive producer of the Shadow and Bone series, said that she’s “thrilled to keep this adventure going.”
She also added, “There are so many places we’ve barely gotten to visit and I can’t wait to introduce our audience to more of the saints, soldiers, thugs, princes, and privateers who make this world so much fun to explore. It’s going to be real magic to see our brilliant, talented cast expand.”
The first season of the series premiered on April 23, 2021, with more than 55 million households streaming Shadow and Bone in its first 28 days since its release.
As of writing, Shadow and Bone has yet to release the official date for its second season.
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