Robert Heinlein's Sci-Fi Classic STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND Is Being Adapted as a TV Series
The SyFy Channel has picked up the rights to the Robert Heinlein’s 1961 sci-fi classic novel Stranger in a Strange Land, and they are adapting it as a TV series.
For those of you who are not familiar with the story, it centers on a character named Valentine Michael Smith. He is a human who comes to Earth as a young adult after having been born on Mars and raised by Martians.
While on Earth, among his people for the first time, "he struggles to understand the social mores and prejudices of human nature that are so alien to him, while teaching them his own fundamental beliefs in grokking, watersharing, and love."
It's said that the book predicted many of the movements and messages that happened later on in the '60s, such as free love, hippie communes, and organized attempts at world peace.
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment chairman Bonnie Hammer said in a statement:
"From my point of view, Stranger in a Strange Land isn’t just a science-fiction masterpiece … it also happens to be one of my favorite books ever. The story is timeless and resonates more than ever in today’s world. As a fan, I can’t wait to see it come to life as a world-class television event.”
Paramount TV president Amy Powell added:
"Paramount TV is excited to have the opportunity to adapt Robert Heinlein's seminal work of science fiction. This novel has resonated with me since college and there's a reason it has continued to find new fans for over 40 years. Syfy’s understanding of imaginative and futuristic programming is unmatched, making them an ideal partner for this series."
There are no details on who will be involved with writing, directing, or starring in the series, but we'll let you know those details when they become available. Stranger in a Strange Land could be a great series. Hopefully the SyFy Channel will give the adaptation the best that they've got.