If you've wandered into a bookstore lately, you've likely been buried under a mountain of fantasy trilogies with titles like The Something of a Thing & Another Thing. The romantasy genre—a blend of romance and fantasy that has exploded thanks to BookTok—is now getting the satirical treatment in a brand-new romantic comedy. Romantasy & Ruin has officially begun production in the scenic town of Quinte West, Ontario, and we've got the exclusive first look.
The film brings together an unlikely pair whose creative clash is destined to ignite. Holly Deveaux, known for her role in Shadowhunters, plays Darcy, the bestselling author of the hit trilogy An Account of Romantasy and Ruin. Her novels are about to be adapted into a big-budget Hollywood movie, and she's already penned a screenplay to pitch to producers. Enter Connor, played by Jesse Rath (Supergirl's Brainiac-5), a Silver Bear-winning filmmaker who barely hides his disdain for the genre—and who's just been hired to write the adaptation. Sparks fly as these two must collaborate to bring the project to life, navigating a wild ride that morphs from a movie trilogy to a premium cable series, then a streaming series, and finally a vertical micro-drama.
The cast is stacked with familiar faces, including Damian Romeo (Ginny & Georgia), Brett Geddes (The Boys), Foad HP (Mayor of Kingstown), Sana Asad (Kim's Convenience), Farleena Khan (Ripple), and Trevor Martin (Odd Squad). Melissa D'Agostino, who wrote The Christmas Witch Trial of Le Befana, pens the script and also co-directs with Matt Campagna (Six Days to Die), while taking on an acting role herself. The project is a collaboration between HighballTV and Hitsby Entertainment.
For those unfamiliar with the term, romantasy has deep roots—think medieval ballads and Arthurian legends—but its modern incarnation was coined on BookTok, where series like Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses have become cultural phenomena. Romantasy & Ruin leans into that popularity, offering a meta, humorous take on the industry while still delivering the swoon-worthy romance fans crave.
With its blend of satire and heart, the film promises to be a must-watch for anyone who's ever rolled their eyes at a fantasy title—or secretly devoured one. As production gets underway, we can't wait to see how Deveaux and Rath's chemistry translates on screen. For more on the romantasy craze, check out our deep dive into epic fantasy worldbuilding. And if you're in the mood for more star-studded adaptations, don't miss our first look at Netflix's Pride and Prejudice.
Stay tuned for more updates on Romantasy & Ruin as it makes its way to screens. In the meantime, this is the perfect time to revisit some of the greatest cinematic finales—or simply enjoy the chaos of two creatives trying to make magic happen.
