David Hayter Developing DragonflightBased on Anne McCaffrey's book series...
With fairy tales all the rage in Hollywood, Peter Jackson thinking about the Temeraire books as films even as he’s labouring to bring The Hobbit’s Smaug to life, it’s not shocking that someone would launch the latest attempt to drag Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern novel series to the big screen. That someone is a combo package of writer David Hayter and producer Don Murphy.
McCaffrey’s books kicked off with Dragonflight in 1968 and first launched the concept of an elite cadre of warriors taking to the skies on giant, fire-breathing reptiles to save the planet of Pern from a terrifying airborne threat.
Since then, the series has spawned 21 novels (and counting), a massive, loyal fan base and more than one attempt to turn the story into a TV series or film. In 2002 for example, the now-defunct WB network across the pond hatched a version for TV with Battlestar creator Ron Moore that was tinkered with to such a degree that it no longer resembled the writer’s original tales. Moore quit the gig and the show was cancelled before it even hit screens.
Back in 2006, however, Copperhead Entertainment bought the rights and has now formed a partnership with Hayter and Murphy, with the X2/Watchmen co-writer setting to work on a new script based on Dragonflight that all three hope will lure in a director.
“These books have remained popular bestsellers for over forty years because of their breathtaking adventures, vivid cast of characters and spectacular creatures,” said Copperheart’s Steven Hoban in a statement.
“This property has an incredible literary heritage and a rabid fan base,” said Hayter. “I’m really looking forward to delving into the majestic world that Anne has created and transporting it to the screen.”
McCaffrey herself also seems enthusiastic about the idea: “The fans and I have been waiting, not so patiently, for a long time to see Pern and her characters on the big screen. I couldn’t be more thrilled that a writer with David’s tremendous creativity and track record of translating beloved source material into fantastic movies has decided to make this his next epic adventure.”
We’re just hoping it turns out better than Eragon.
SYNOPSIS
To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise—and take back her stolen birthright.
But everything changes when she meets a queen dragon. The bond they share will be deep and last forever. It will protect them when, for the first time in centuries, Lessa’s world is threatened by Thread, an evil substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches. Dragons and their Riders once protected the planet from Thread, but there are very few of them left these days. Now brave Lessa must risk her life, and the life of her beloved dragon, to save her beautiful world. . . .
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If you haven't read this series, or at least the beginnings (I had to give up a few years ago when her son took over), and you claim you're a science fiction fan, get on it stat. And I think I am in the minority of people who kind of actually liked Watchmen for the most part. But I am totally wary of this movie. It has the distinct capability to flop. Hard.