Summary
Stephen King’sThe Instituteshow kills any hope I had left for aShadow and Bonerevival.Shadow and Boneis a young adult fantasy show based on theGrishaversebooks by Leigh Bardugo, and its popularity soared following its premiere in April 2021.Shadow and Bonegripped me from the beginning with a talented cast including Ben Barnes,Jessie Mei Li, and Archie Renaux. The show brought some of my favorite characters and relationships to life with a compelling narrative, making it a thrilling experience from start to finish.
Netflix officially canceledShadow and Bonein November 2023, but fans have relentlessly campaigned to save the show since. They’ve cited the series' strong viewership numbers as well as the positive critical response toward the first two seasons. From rewatch parties to organized hashtag trends,viewers have never given up on the possibility ofShadow and Bonereturningin some form, either for season 3 or through the also-canceledSix of Crowsspinoff. However, I’m worried Barnes' newest project could be a bad sign.
8 Shadow And Bone Storylines That Will Never Be Resolved After Its Cancellation
The cancellation of Shadow and Bone means that storylines including budding romances, new leadership, and dangerous curses will never be resolved.
Ben Barnes Just Signed On For MGM+’s New Stephen King Show The Institute
Barnes' Casting Makes a Shadow and Bone Revival Less Likely
Recently,MGM+ announced Barnes as one of the two leadsfor itsadaptation of Stephen King’sThe Institutealongside Mary-Louise Parker. Barnes will play a former police officer, Tim Jamieson, and the show has already received an eight-episode series order. While I’m excited to see Barnes take on a major role in a buzzy project like this one, I’m disappointed that it likely signifies the end ofShadow and Bone. The actor would be unlikely to commit to a leading role in a show if aShadow and Bonerevival was on the horizon.
It’s possibleShadow and Bonecould return without Barnes, and his character the Darkling’s demise in season 2, episode 8 offers an easy out. However, bringing the show back without its primary antagonist would be a mistake and seems unlikely. Even several months after the show’s cancellation, the Darkling remains one of my favorite fictional antagonists, and many viewers feel the same. I cannot imagine a path forward forShadow and Bonewithout some version of the Darkling, and Barnes' commitment toThe Institutemakes his return less likely.
Other Shadow & Bone Stars Have Moved Onto Other Projects
Making things worse, I know Ben Barnes is not the onlyShadow and Boneactor with a busy schedule. Archie Renaux’s promising career has delivered with films such asThe Other Zoey,Upgraded, and the newestAlieninstallment,Alien: Romulus. Renaux will also star in a new show calledThe Jetty.
Meanwhile, Freddy Carter recently took the center spotlight in shows such asThe Doll FactoryandDeath In Paradise. Additionally, Daisy Head will star in the upcoming showThe Gray House, ironically, alongside Barnes’The Instituteco-star Mary-Louise Parker. With all of these projects,it does not seem like any of the cast will return for aShadow and Bonerevivalany time soon. While that’s disappointing for me and likely other fans of the show, there is a small consolation in seeing the actors, including Barnes, succeed in such a big way.
The Institute
Cast
A kidnapped prodigy with special abilities, Luke, ends up at The Institute, while Tim, a former cop, seeks a new life in a nearby town. Their fates are inevitably linked.
Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series set in a world divided by a barrier of darkness. Released on June 02, 2025, it follows a young soldier who discovers a unique power that could reunite her country amid a backdrop of scheming forces, including thugs, thieves, and assassins.
