Westworld veteran adapting YA fantasy Raybearer for Netflix

Netflix continues to build out its library of fantasy content with an adaptation of Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko.

Between The Witcher and Shadow and Bone, Netflix is going hard on fantasy shows, and they’re not done. Collider reports that the streamer has hired Westworld veteran Gina Atwater to adapt the 2020 YA fantasy novel Raybearer by Nigerian author Jordan Ifueko.

Raybearer draws on Nigerian folklore. It’s about a young girl, Tarisai, who is raised by her mother, who is known only as the Lady. Her mother bears a deep grudge against the Crown Prince of the Aritsar Empire and wishes him dead. She sends Tarisai to the capital city of Oluwan to compete in a contest to become part of the prince’s inner circle, the better to get close and kill him.

Raybearer became a New York Times bestseller and was lauded by critics. As for Atwater, she wrote some of the best episodes of the first season of Westworld, which even cast members admit is the best one. “Gina is a triple threat as a writer, director and producer and we’re thrilled to be working with her,” said Netflix exec Matt Thunell. “Her experiences crafting fearless, character-centered work amid complex fantasy worlds makes her the perfect writer to take on the world of Raybearer.”

All in all, Netflix could have another fantasy hit on its hands with Raybearer. There’s no release date for the show right now, but the book is available to read. And the sequel, Redemptor, came out just last month!

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