Summary
There are manyfantasybooks that deserve adaptations but aren’t getting them — butI’m particularly surprised my favorite V.E. Schwab story hasn’t been adapted yet. Schwab is a well-known author in fantasy spaces, and their books have gotten a lot of attention on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Several have even been picked up for movie and TV adaptations, includingThe Secret Life of Addie LarueandA Darker Shade of Magic.Sadly, thesemovies seem to be stuck in development hell, just like many other looming fantasy projects.
And my favorite Schwab book was also picked up for an adaptation back in 2013, butaViciousmovie never materialized. I’m not surprised it didn’t come to fruition back then, but I’m a bit disappointed it hasn’t been revisited during the age of anti-superhero projects. With more and more alternative superhero stories coming to the screen,Viciouswould fit right in. It’s a shame no studio is planning to adapt it, as it would be an impressive addition to the category.
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I Can’t Believe V.E. Schwab’s Vicious Hasn’t Been Adapted In The Anti-Suphero Era
Victor & Eli’s Story Would Do Well As An Edgy Superhero Series
Edgy superhero showsare incredibly popular these days, with hits likeThe BoysandInvincibledominating the genre. This is largely because these series take a dark approach to traditional superhero media, breaking the mold and going against viewer expectations.V.E. Schwab’sViciousdoes this as well, which makes me believe Victor and Eli’s story would do quite well if it were adapted today. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be on studios' radars — even though it was slated to become a movie about a decade ago (viaDeadline).
Viciousis my favorite V.E. Schwab book, as it explores how superpowers intersect with issues like morality, masculinity, and unchecked ambition.
Viciousis my favorite V.E. Schwab book, as it explores how superpowers intersect with issues like morality, masculinity, and unchecked ambition. The 2013 novel follows two college roommates who research whether humans can obtain extraordinary powers — and under what conditions. They realize they must push themselves to the brink of death to achieve what they’re hoping for. And when they put their theory into practice, their lives take a dark turn. Victor and Eli then become enemies, with the former seeking revenge against his old friend.
The best part of V.E. Schwab’sViciousis that neither Victor nor Eli are morally upstanding characters. They paint a dark but realistic picture of what would happen if ordinary humans got their hands on superpowers. For this reason,I can’t help but think this novel would appeal to audiences who loveshows likeThe BoysandThe Umbrella Academy.
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Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Bring Vicious To The Screen
The Demand For Dark Superhero Stories Would Give The Book Adaptation A Boost
Viciouswould make a great screen adaptation regardless of when it’s released, butthe popularity of anti-superhero stories makes now the ideal time to adapt this book. Audiences are clearly seeking darker superhero narratives, whether it’s through television shows likeInvincibleor R-rated superhero movies likeLoganandDeadpool 3.That demand would helpViciousbecome a hit as a TV series or movie. Schwab’sfantasybooks are just as worthy of making that jump. However, because of current media trends, I think this one has the most potential as a modern-day adaptation.
