Submitted by: Summer Brooks (SoSF Staff Reporter)
Peter Jackson, the wizard behind “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the remake of “King Kong,” has decided to keep WETA jumping through hoops for the next six years by reportedly buying up the rights to Naomi Novik’s “Temeraire.”
“Temeraire” is a fantasy series of novels that deal with actual historical events by mixing real-life characters with fantasical demons, dragons and draconian aviators. In the case of “Temeraire” the era showcased are the Napoleonic Wars and British Naval Captain Will Laurence who, after capturing a French vessel, discovers an unhatched dragon egg in the cargo-hold that was intended as a gift from the emperor of China to Napoleon. Once the egg hatches, the Captain bonds with the small dragon, and after resigning his commission, he and the creature (Temeraire) take flight as part of His Majesty’s newly formed Aerial Corps. of heroic aviators.
The first “Temeraire” novel (His Majesty’s Dragon) was written by Novik in 2004.
“Temeraire is a terrific meld of two genres that I particularly love, fantasy and historical epic,” Jackson told the Hollywood Reporter. “I can’t wait to see Napoleonic battles fought with a squadron of dragons. That’s what I go to the movies for……As I was reading these books, I could see them coming to life in my mind’s eye. These are beautifully written novels, not only fresh, original and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart.”
In some other Ring news Variety is reporting that the early on rights dispute over the rest of Toilken’s stories has been settled and MGM has secured screen rights to “The Hobbit.” Jackson is the studio’s director of choice for the Squire project and he as already indicated that this was something he wanted to continue with as well.
I’ve read all 3 books and looking forward to the forthcoming 4th book. This would make a great series of movies. The visualizations in my mind when I was reading the novels was stunning. If Jackson can hold the same level of visuals and SFX like Lord of the Rings, this should be a great series of films.
i absolutely loved the books – just the right mix of napoleonic history and dragons (of course). if peter jackson can do as well with the special effects/computer animation as he did with lord of the rings, and stick as closely to the storyline (i hate films that wander off) this should be stunning. certainly the potential is there for three brilliant films.
but having watched master and commander several times, i *really* hope they pick russell crowe to play will laurence. don’t you think he’d be excellent?
fingers crossed!