Nerd Alert! Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern Movie Is Actually Happening
In news that might have caused my fifth grade self to break out in an awkward dance of joy, there is actual movement on a long-attempted adaptation of Anne McCaffrey's The Dragonriders of Pern series. X-Men writer David Hayter will reportedly adapt Dragonflight, the first novel in McCaffrey's celebrated book series set on the planet of Pern, where generations of humans form telepathic links with fire-breathing dragons to defend themselves from a deadly enemy known as Thread.
Allow me a moment to geek out over McCaffrey's Pern series, which has been a staple of any sci-fi/fantasy-loving geek kid's personal library for decades. At least, it served as such for me; I spent my youthful days devouring every installment in McCaffrey's 19+ book series (she wrote additional Pern stories with son Todd). Though Hayter is starting with the first novel, originally published in 1968, there are literally generations upon generations of Pernese stories to tell, including more traditionally sci-fi-oriented origin tales. But embarking on this franchise, with its many potential sequels and prequels, should be no small commitment for whichever studios and production companies might eventually come on board.
According to HitFix, Don Murphy and Susan Montford's Angry Films are currently involved and production is slated to begin in early 2012, but there's no director or cast yet attached. And, as a warning to hopeful fans, remember that this is not the first time an attempt has been made to adapt the Pern saga for the screen; before current production company Copperheart Entertainment optioned the rights, The WB was attempting to make a version for television under Ronald D. Moore (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space 9, Battlestar Galactica) and had even built Ruatha Hold and Benden Weyr sets before production was halted days before it began.
But with its blend of fantasy, romance, science fiction, and medieval-like setting, Pern is a fictional world rife for cinematic imagining. One would assume CG effects will be involved in the depiction of its dragons, who, bound to their human counterparts at birth, take flight to mate (trust me, it can get pretty hot what with the humans linked psychically on the ground) and fight the spores that rain down periodically upon the world, devouring everything organic in sight. Fans might hope that the adaptation has the budget to cover massive sets and casts on the scale of a Lord of the Rings, WETA-driven production -- or else have a director with a really good workaround plan.
More as it develops... in the meantime, where my Pern fans at? Chime in below.
· X-Men scribe David Hayter will adapt first 'Dragonriders of Pern' novel [HitFix]
[Original cover art by Michael Whelan]
Comments
When I saw Avatar I knew who I wanted to make The Dragonriders of Pern movie(s). I hope for James Cameron as the Force that drives this but will be glad for a good movie with sequels.
As we have seen with Christopher Nolan's Batman, the Lord of the Rings films and recently X- Men First Class science fantasy/fiction is arguably, finally getting the respectful treatment it deserves. The stories I grew up reading always had the same elements as any drama nominated by the Academy Awards. Yet the film industry either couldn't or wouldn't treat these projects with the same attitude as any other drama. Just because the setting is outer space doesn't mean the characters shouldn't be fleshed out with the same intensity as those in a setting here on Earth. Not to say all sci fi has been given short shrift. Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odessey holds up very nicely today. Ridley Scott's Blade Runner is a masterpiece of how to meld two different genres expertly. Is it film noir or science fiction? It is the best of both. (Outland with Sean Connery didn't quite hit the mark I believe because the filmmakers didn't blend the elements of sci fi and the western effectively. I don't think they were paying attention to Gene Roddenberry who did blend those genres wonderfully in Star Trek) I can only hope that Dragonriders of Pern will be treated with respect for the material, yet transends the fantasy genre to become not just a great science fiction/fantasy film, but a great film. As to special effects, Avatar has opened doors that I hope other directors leap through just as they did when Geroge Lucas advanced effects technology with Star Wars. Although, Peter Jackson used many of the old time tricks with Lord of the Rings, bringing special effects full circle. As long as Michael Bay is not allowed anywhere near Dragonriders we should be safe.
PS I know I will be very happy if Gerard Butler plays F'lar.
I really hope this is a go, I love these books and know they will make great movies!
.....This just caused me to fangasm. I agree with Vicky Avery on this, MICHAEL BAY SHALL NOT RUIN MORE OF MY CHILDHOOD! My only hoe is that this actually happens, and is at least reasonably faithful to the books.
I've longed for a real dragonriders of pern movie--I hope it actally happens! I know so may people who are Pern fans!
i have a question. during the 80s anne gave an intervue late at nite on itv.there was a cartoon version playing behind her.is this avalible to watch
i have been waitng for Pern to hit the screens since Dragonheart hit the theaters.... with all of the advancements now is definately the time as long as they capturre the true spirt of the books.
To finally see pern on the big screen would be a joy i always hoped that the talents of Lucas and Spielberg would jump at an oppertunity like this and of course in my dream worls Anne hathaway would be lessa
Awesome. I hope it makes it to the secren
« Previous