Director Sam Raimi hasn’t quite been able to replicate his earlier success of subversive horror films and well-received Spider-man films since 2007’s Spider-man 3. His last film was 2013’s Oz the Great and Powerful, which has practically been forgotten already, and he was in line to direct the adaptation of Warcraft, before creative differences led to him leaving the project and Duncan Jones taking over.
However, Raimi may be about to sign on to his next project and attempt to bounce back. He’s currently in talks with Lionsgate to direct an adaptation of Pat Rothfuss‘ book series The Kingkiller Chronicle. The project has emerged as a priority for Lionsgate, as they expect the adaptation to span through multiple mediums, with films and a TV series planned.
The fantasy book series revolves around Kvothe, an adventurer and musician now living anonymously as a rural innkeeper, who recounts a story from the present: a huge tale which spans multiple time periods. Lionsgate’s plan is to tackle the first book, The Name Of The Wind, in the film alongside a TV series also tracking the story.
They’ve already brought on board Hamilton creator, and Kingkiller Chronicle superfan, Lin-Manuel Miranda to serve as creative producer and musical mastermind of the adaptation, and he will compose songs for the franchise, and also has an option for future stage adaptations. Lindsey Beer, writer of the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong, will pen the screenplay.
It’s clear that Lionsgate think they have the next Lord Of The Rings on their hands, and are even taking similar steps to the nascent days of that fantasy franchise. They’re bringing on board a director who made a name for himself in 80s/90s horror films, are looking to adapt book by book, and have plans for a sprawling, long-running franchise that spreads outside of the cinema.
Raimi isn’t yet signed on, and reportedly has several options on the table, including Bermuda Triangle for Skydance and World War 3 for Warner Bros., but it’s expected The Kingkiller Chronicle will be his next film. It seems a good fit for him, and if this goes ahead, we’ll wait and see if the franchise is indeed the next Lord Of The Rings, or a poor imitation.
#Peace.Love.TheKingkillerChronicle
