HBO has called for a pilot episode of a show based on George R.R. Martin‘s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.
If successful, the hopes are that each book of the seven total would become seasons of the show. The pilot — and hopeful first season — would be based on the first book, A Game of Thrones. Executive producers on the pilot will be David Benioff (Troy) and D.B. Weiss (Halo).
Unfortunately, HBO has about 10 pilots ordered, so no one knows which will actually become full series; so this by no means guarantees that a full season of this show will come to fruition, but it is great news for fans of the series and fantasy alike.
I am a massive fantasy fan and would really love to see a fantasy TV series out there, especially if it’s through HBO and adult-aimed (meaning, not shitty). To have a fantasy genre show with the raw nature of HBO’s typical programming would be amazing and would likely add a whole new aspect to the genre that we’ve not really seen before.
If this happens and Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series eventually finds the big screen, we could see a return-to-form for fantasy. Since Lord of the Rings hit screens, we’ve seen nothing but terrible fantasy movies based on any and every book out there; so it would be lovely to see something good again. No promises of course, but we can always hope and dream.
[Source: THR]
I’m actually allowing myself to hope that this TV series will happen and be good. Martin’s saga certainly has the edge that would make it a good HBO series. I very much agree with your statement “adult-aimed (meaning, not shitty)”. Too much fantasy for the screeen, big or small, thinks only 8 years olds will watch, when really adults like fantasy too, but they just want something more intense than sock puppet theater.
When you read Martin’s SOIAF novels, you can sense his TV writing background. He’s very good at episodic adventure and character-based perspectives. This is why I think his books should translate well to TV. HBO could have a massive hit here if they do it right. Millions are hoping.
Comment by Tracy Falbe — November 17, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL IF HBO MADE A SERIES BASED ON THESE BOOKS!!!! I ABSOLUTLY LOVE ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES AND TO ACTUALLY SEE IT ON TV WOULD BE AMAZING!!! I HOPE IT GOES THROUGH!!!!!!
Comment by Sara — December 16, 2008 @ 9:41 pm
I hope it becomes a series I’m anxiously waiting for the pilot to air. I’ve told all my geek friends whats up and to watch it. Everyone else should do the same! Things are looking good so far with the chosen director, cast, and producers.
Comment by Adam — April 12, 2010 @ 4:48 pm