Forget ‘The Odyssey,’ This Mythology-Inspired Fantasy Book Deserves an Adaptation

Greek myths are a common inspiration for fantasy stories in both TV and film, and most recently, they inspired Christopher Nolan‘s recent adaptation of The Odyssey. Despite their legacy, some of the best mythology-inspired stories haven’t made it to the screen. Author Madeline Miller has become known for her mythology retellings, with her novel Circe earning significant critical acclaim, but her bestselling fantasy debut is the kind of story that would make an unforgettable TV series.

Understandably, all eyes are on The Odyssey‘s theatrical release, but Nolan’s film only references part of the story. Before Odysseus can journey home, he participates in the Trojan War referenced in Homer‘s Iliad, which Miller’s 2011 novel The Song of Achilles explores from a different perspective. Despite its lingering popularity since its initial publication in 2011, The Song of Achilles has yet to receive an adaptation, but there’s no better time than right now for Miller’s award-winning debut to make it to the screen.

‘The Song of Achilles’ Is an Unforgettable Retelling of ‘The Iliad’

Many Greek mythology retellings modernize the stories, but The Song of Achilles takes a different approach. The novel partly serves as a retelling of The Iliad, although it does make a few changes, devoting more focus to the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. Like The Iliad, The Song of Achilles explores the events of the Trojan War; however, Miller’s book expands the story even further. With a focus on Patroclus’ perspective, the novel follows him from childhood into an incident that results in his exile to the city of Phthia, where he meets Achilles. These two men are opposites in many ways, but develop a close bond that grows as they age, leading to a heartfelt love story that is tested by both fate and war.

Since he is prophesied to die in Troy following the demise of the Trojan prince Hector, Achilles initially resists joining the fight, but his participation becomes inevitable, and Patroclus, bound by his own oath, accompanies him. While Achilles’ skill distinguishes him in battle, the danger of war and a growing tension between allies create a perilous environment for the proud warrior. With fascinating secondary characters ranging from the clever Odysseus to the power-hungry Agamemnon, The Song of Achilles‘ story provides more than enough material that would translate to screens beautifully if given the chance.

Despite Multiple Attempts, ‘The Song of Achilles’ Hasn’t Received an Adaptation

After so many years as a bestselling novel, it’s surprising that The Song of Achilles hasn’t yet received an adaptation. In 2015, the book was optioned for a miniseries for the first time, but didn’t make it out of the development stage. In 2024, Red, White & Royal Blue director Matthew López expressed interest in adapting the book, but his intended limited series never happened.

While The Song of Achilles‘ long-awaited adaptation has been stuck in development limbo, Miller has expressed her desire to see her novel translated for the stage rather than on screen, which would be a fascinating way to tell this story. Either way, The Song of Achilles deserves to be brought to life in a way that reaches a wider audience. Though it’s disappointing that the story hasn’t received an adaptation, there is still hope, especially with the hype around Nolan’s The Odyssey bringing more attention to some of Greek mythology’s most well-known characters. After more than a decade of trying, it’s time for The Song of Achilles to get the adaptation it deserves.