Friday, July 23, 2010

Fantasy Books I'd Like to See on TV or at the Movies

The entertainment industry has taken an interest in recent years in the Fantasy genre. More films are being made from Fantasy books that are popular with the public. Many of these movies are based on young adult books like “Harry Potter,” “Narnia” and the “Twilight” series. These films are entertaining and okay, but there are other more interesting and adult fantasy books films could be based on. We have seen this with the recently defunct “Legend of the Seeker” TV series based on Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” books. The HBO cable network is currently in production with a series based on George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. This article will deal with Fantasy books that I would like to see made into a TV show, miniseries or movie. So here is my wish list.

First of all, I would like to see a "Wheel of Time" series or movies. I admit it's a long book series, but it has much to offer. Such a complex story would be difficult to do as a movie or miniseries. It would be better as a long term TV series over several years like the "Babylon 5" science fiction series. This series would have something to attract viewers of all kinds such as adventure, romance, intrigue and many other things.

Patricia McKillip's books would make wonderful movies for viewers. Her lyrical, , vivid, image filled works would translate wonderfully to the screen. We could follow Morgon from the Riddle Master trilogy on his quest through many strange lands. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld would expose general viewers to a wonderful story with powerful themes. Any of her books would make good movies.

Another writer's books I would like to see made into movies are those of Robert Holdstock. His Mythago Wood books would be powerful movies with a dark edge. Viewers would be treated to mythic tales of a primal forest and its effects on the troubled characters that venture in there. These works portray psychological themes in a deeply imagined Fantasy world.

For Urban Fantasy lovers, Charles de Lint's books would be good as films. We would see denizens of Fairy interacting with humans in cities whether American or Canadian. These interactions could be interesting and/or dangerous. It would add a touch of magic to our reality by making the world seem more than our perceptions can conceive. Or a series based on the Mercy Thompson books by Patricia Briggs or Kate Daniels books by Ilona Andrews would have plenty of action, romance and interesting characters for people.

Returning to Epic Fantasy, other books I would like to see as films would be by authors Melanie Rawn, Mercedes Lackey, David Eddings, Andre Norton and C.J. Cherryh. All of these authors works would make great entertainment. They would be full of action, adventure and great characters.

These are just a few of the books on my wish list I would like to see. If I went on, this article would become very bulky. It is good to see the entertainment industry taking an interest in the Fantasy genre. With new strides made in special effects, making such films is no longer in the realm of impossibility. We should all look forward in the years ahead to some fantastic entertainment.

What books would you like to see made into a movie, TV series or miniseries? Start a discussion. I would be very interested in your responses.

No comments: