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.