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Universal options Wheel of Time

August 13, 2008 by Michael Hickerson   || Category: From Page To Screen

Robert Jordan’s popular fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” has been optioned by Universal Pictures in a seven-figure deal according to Variety.

The potential big-screen franchise will begin with an adaptation of the first novel of the series, “The Eye of the World.” 

Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon will produce for Red Eagle Entertainment, which published graphic novel adaptations of Jordan’s books.

The novels have been optioned before for adapation. NBC optioned the series a few years ago for a potential television adapation but never produced a series, mini-series or movie based on the novels.

“The Wheel of Time” series has had several entries on the best-sellers lists and are among some of the most popular fantasy novels on the market today. Author and creator Robert Jordan passed away last year before completing the epic storyline but the final book in the series is still set for publication in fall 2009, with fellow fantasy scribe Brandon Sanderson writing the novel’s conclusion from Jordan’s notes and tapes.

Netflix, Inc.

Comments

11 Responses to “Universal options Wheel of Time”

  1. Nevada Storey on August 13th, 2008 4:43 pm

    Finally! If done right I will really enjoy this movie.

  2. Shawn on August 13th, 2008 6:04 pm

    I really wish Wheel of Time should be done as a TV series, much like they’re doing with Game of Thrones and Wizard’s First Rule. There’s just no way they can do one of the books justice in a 2 or 3 hour movie. They should give each book a 12 hour season instead.

  3. Kurt_eh on August 13th, 2008 11:05 pm

    Is there even enough filmstock in the world to film the first book? (Let alone the entire series! ;) )

  4. Bronzethumb from Australia on August 13th, 2008 11:48 pm

    I say, do it as a TV miniseries. You might not get the same money to do it, but there’ll probably be more time to tell the story.

  5. Forcemaster2000 on August 14th, 2008 2:46 pm

    I agree totally with the idea of TV series or mini-series…there’s just too much there for a series of movies.

  6. Zippy on August 14th, 2008 3:55 pm

    There is alot but alot of what books are is descriptions and world building. Using the visual medium you might only be looking at perhaps five seasons.
    I think the best bet would be to make the first book into a movie and see how receptive the audience is and then perhaps make the rest as a TV series.

  7. FullOfIt on August 15th, 2008 12:06 pm

    I Look forward to this as long as they do it right.
    I am scared about that. I think it would be best done CGI as a mini or TV series. Other wise it would lose so much.

  8. Bigness on August 15th, 2008 8:22 pm

    I fear this will turn into another “Battlefield Earth”

  9. Kristan on October 2nd, 2008 3:35 pm

    I think they need to do it on a cinemax tx series do to battle violence adn to give it the honor it deserves.

  10. Desdemona Ryoual D'shefferone on October 14th, 2008 3:00 pm

    We have been looking forward to this adaption of our story. However we will be very disappointed if the story tellers do not communicate the width and depth of our world. We see it as a daunting task. If this interpretation fails in it’s attempt to portray the majesty of our world. Those responsible will face the full wrath of Tar Valon. The Keeper.

  11. jallen on August 10th, 2009 5:18 pm

    i agree with zippy a movie first to show what they can do the the rest as a mini series…. couldnt stand the wait for each film it has been a nightmare between books

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