After last year’s legal battle, it looks like The Wheel of Time is finally getting the ‘cutting edge’ television series that it deserves. Initially published thirty-six years ago, Robert Jordan’s high-fantasy novel series spans an impressive fourteen books, so a TV series similar to that of HBO’s Game of Thrones is expected. Last year, Red Eagle Entertainment aired a sketchy pilot late night on FXX as a last-ditch attempt to keep the rights to Wheel of Time from returning to Robert Jordan’s estate. They then went on to sue his widow and editor, Harriet McDougal, over comments she made surrounding the issue.
Nonetheless, it looks like McDougal prevailed and has regained ownership of her husband’s series. Recently, she made this statement on Google+:
The following is a press statement that has been approved by the studio involved in contract negotiations:
Update: Wanted to share with you exciting news about ‘The Wheel of Time’. Legal issues have been resolved. ‘The Wheel of Time’ will become a cutting-edge TV series! I couldn’t be more pleased. Look for the official announcement coming soon from a major studio —Harriet
Fans of the books have already begun to speculate which ‘major studio’ will be undertaking the adaptation of Jordan’s colossal magnum opus. Most have ruled out HBO as it already has GOT to contend with; another high-fantasy series would saturate the network. Regardless, given the vast and dedicated fanbase that the series already has, it’s not unlikely that huge networks such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu will have scooped up the story. Such a high profile book series would rake in much revenue and many customers for the online television streaming sites, and streaming television appears to be the future. The Wheel of Time as a popular, exclusive, online TV series seems to be the most probable scenario at this point. And, that odd pilot released last year is unlikely to feature.
Many are also concerned with the adaptability of The Wheel of Time book series. In his life, Jordan wrote eleven novels and a prequel. Then, after his passing, Brandon Sanderson – with Jordan’s permission – completed the final three books from Jordan’s notes. Fans are wondering what, if any, of books won’t be including in the TV adaption, as they are aware that the series will have to condense a lot. Many are just curious as to what main points will stand out and survive the script-writing process. Understandably, writers are probably just as nervous about the undertaking as readers are. It’s a lot of content and a large fan base to appease, all whilst making the series appealing to newcomers in television format.
Details will surely be with us soon regarding the upcoming TV series and we’ll be sure to keep you posted here at PureFandom.
Are you a fan of The Wheel of Time? Which major network would you trust with such an epic story? Are there any novels within the series that you would hate to see dropped from this adaptation? Let us know in the comments!
