I can't believe my favorite VE Schwab book wasn't adapted in the Anti-Superhero Era.

Summary

  • A dark superhero story by VE Schwab,
    cruel
    fits right in with anti-superhero series like
    Boys
    and
    Invincible.
  • The novel's dark exploration of masculinity and unchecked ambition would make for a compelling TV show or movie.
  • Despite the popularity of alternative superhero shows, studios tend to overlook the potential for adaptations
    cruel
    filmed in a movie or TV series.



There are many fantasy books that deserve adaptations but don't get them – but I'm surprised my favorite VE Schwab story hasn't been adapted yet. Schwab is a well-known author in fantasy spaces, and their books have gained a lot of attention on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. It has even been optioned for several film and television adaptations, including The Secret Life of Addie Larue and A magical dark shade. Unfortunately, these films, like many other pending fantasy projects, are stuck in development hell.

And my favorite Schwab book was also picked up for adaptation in 2013, but a cruel the film never materialized. I'm not surprised it didn't work out back then, but I'm a little disappointed it wasn't revisited in the era of anti-superhero projects. More and more alternative superhero stories are coming to the screen. cruel would be perfect. It's a shame no studio plans to adapt it, as it would have been an impressive addition to the category.


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I can't believe VE Schwab's Vicious wasn't adapted in the anti-Superhero era

Victor and Eli's Story Would Be Good As An Edgy Superhero Series

Angry superhero shows are incredibly popular these days Boys and Invincible dominates the genre. This is mainly because these series take a dark approach to traditional superhero media, breaking the mold and defying audience expectations. AND Schwab's cruel it does that toowhich makes me believe that Victor and Eli's story would be great if adapted to the present day. Unfortunately, it's not on the studios' radar — even though it was slated to be made into a movie nearly a decade ago (via Deadline).


cruel
is my favorite VE Schwab book because it explores how superpowers intersect with issues of morality, masculinity, and unchecked ambition.

cruel is my favorite VE Schwab book because it explores how superpowers intersect with issues of morality, masculinity, and unchecked ambition. The 2013 novel follows two college roommates who investigate whether and under what circumstances humans have superpowers. They realize that they have to push themselves to the brink of death to achieve what they hope for. When they put their theories into practice, their lives take a dark turn. Victor and Eli later become enemies, with the former seeking revenge on his old friend.


The best part of VE Schwab cruel so neither Victor nor Eli are morally superior characters. They paint a dark but realistic picture of what would happen if ordinary people took on superpowers. For this reason, I couldn't help but think that this novel would appeal to audiences who love shows Boys and Umbrella Academy.

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Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Bring Vicious to the Screen

Demand for Dark Superhero Stories Will Drive Book Adaptations

Cover of Vicious by VE Schwab, Victor Vale standing on a balcony


cruel It would have been a great screen adaptation regardless of when it came out, though the popularity of anti-superhero stories makes now the ideal time to adapt this book. Audiences are clearly looking for darker superhero narratives through TV shows Invincible or like R-rated superhero movies Logan and Deadpool 3. This request will help cruel becomes a hit like a serial or a movie. Schwab's fantasy books also deserve to make this leap. However, with current media trends, I think it has the most potential as a modern day adaptation.

Source: Deadline

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