Danny Griffin and the Empyrean Casting Rumors: What’s Actually Happening?

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Written by: Cory

Danny Griffin reading Iron Flame on his instagram

The short answer: Danny Griffin has not been officially cast as Liam or Dain in the television adaptation of Fourth Wing. There has been no confirmed announcement from Amazon MGM Studios, Rebecca Yarros, or any verified production source. (blows raspberry…because he’d be a GREAT fit).

Everything circulating right now is speculation. Let’s break down where it started, why fans think he fits, and why nothing has been announced.

Danny Griffin reading Iron Flame. Pic belongs to him via his official instagram.

First, why Danny Griffin?

Danny Griffin is best known for his role in Fate: The Winx Saga. He already has experience in fantasy television, carries the physical presence fans associate with dragon riders, and has the brooding, emotionally intense look that aligns with characters in the Empyrean series.

Fans typically split into two camps:

Liam camp.
Supporters argue he fits Liam Mairi’s description: strong, protective, physically imposing, yet warm and loyal. Griffin has the athletic build and soft intensity that many readers associate with Liam’s emotional core.

Dain camp.
Others believe he’d suit Dain Aetos better. Dain requires nuance: disciplined, rigid, morally conflicted, and gradually darker in tone. Griffin has played characters with restraint and internal tension before, which makes this argument reasonable.

In short, he visually and temperamentally fits both archetypes well enough to spark debate. That’s why the speculation sticks.

Now, why hasn’t anything been announced?

There are several practical reasons.

  1. The adaptation is still early in development.
    Book-to-screen fantasy adaptations move slowly. Scripts need approval, showrunners must be finalized, and budgets for heavy CGI (dragons are not cheap) must be locked in before casting goes public.
  2. Contracts are complex.
    High-profile adaptations often involve option agreements, scheduling negotiations, and multi-season commitments. Nothing is announced until contracts are signed and legally secured.
  3. Strategic marketing timing.
    Studios rarely reveal casting casually. Major roles are typically announced in waves to build hype. If this series is positioned as a tentpole fantasy property, casting news will be timed for maximum impact.
  4. Avoiding backlash.
    Fantasy fandoms are intense. Studios often finalize multiple roles before announcing any to prevent early controversy or speculation spirals.
  5. It may simply not be him.
    This is the part fans don’t want to hear. Internet momentum does not equal casting decisions. Studios consider chemistry tests, global marketability, scheduling availability, and long-term franchise strategy. Popular fancasts often don’t survive that process.

Is there any evidence he’s involved?

No verified evidence. A photo of him reading the book fueled rumors, but actors read popular books constantly. That alone means nothing contractually.

BUT, that photo has been PINNED to his instagram. That’s…exciting and it def gives us more reasons to hope he is involved. Another point is that the publishing house “Red Tower House” left a good message saying “someone crossed the parapet” which yeah, kinda implies he is involved.

When could casting realistically be announced?

If the adaptation is progressing steadily, casting announcements usually happen several months before filming begins. If filming hasn’t started or been formally dated, expect silence for a while.

A grounded expectation: official casting likely won’t surface until pre-production is fully underway. That could mean late 2026 or beyond, depending on development speed.

Final assessment…

Right now, Danny Griffin as Liam or Dain is purely fan-driven speculation. It persists because he visually fits the fantasy mold and has genre credibility. But until an official press release appears, assume nothing. Yes, even if we really REALLY want him.

If you want to approach this strategically as a fan: enjoy the fancasting, but detach from it emotionally. When studios cast differently than imagined, disappointment spreads fast, as that’s what we are trying to avoid here, right? Sending you all hugs 🙂

Share that Venin and Wyvern are real!


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Hello! This site is dedicated to the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. I’ve made this place to explore the rich world of Empyrean, full of characters, theories, and places. Each post is carefully researched and updated with the newest details from the series. This site is also a great spot for discussing theories about the Empyrean Series. 🐉
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