Netflix's fan-favorite series, Shadow and Bone, is back with some new footage to whet fans appetites as they wait for season 2, which will release sometime in 2023.
Shadow and Bone adapts the Grishaverse, a fantasy novel universe by author Leigh Bardugo. The series features the Grisha, who are described as practitioners of magic, but who prefer to name themselves as practitioners of "the small science", as their powers influence the world at the molecular level. The series was announced being in production back in 2020, and eventually was released on April 23, 2021.
Now, after a year wait, fans have gotten a new glimpse of the Grishaverse. Netflix tweeted out the teaser trailer as part of its TUDUM event, and the season seems to be dramatic and action packed. It contains a flurry of clips from the season, including Alina (Jessie Mei Li) being told by new character Nikolai Lantsov (The OA's Patrick Gibson) that she's a symbol, only for Alina to retort that she is a Sun Summoner. Later in the trailer, General Kirigan (Ben Barnes) asks someone off-screen, "Are you willing to sacrifice that which is most precious to you?
The clip also features plenty of footage of fan-favorite characters the Crows, characters who do not appear in the original Shadow and Bone series, but who appear in a side duology set in the same universe. It appears that, no matter their allegiance, everyone will be facing some significant challenges this season, which will adapt the second novel of the Shadow and Bone series, Siege and Storm. Another original storyline for the Crows appears to be in the works as well.
Though fans will still have to wait some time before the next season debuts, this trailer has plenty for them to mull over. The worldbuilding in the series has plenty of opportunities for the show to explore further, with the Orders of the Grisha still having some secrets to uncover.
The series also promises some strong performances from its leads. Newcomer Gibson has already proven himself in The OA, and though he appears only briefly in the trailer, he's an exciting addition to the cast. Li also appears to be ready to take on season 2, as does veteran actor Ben Barnes, who's always a delight to watch on screen.
Shadow and Bone will return for season 2 on Netflix in 2023.