THE DRESDEN FILES May Get Another TV Series
Back in 2007, Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files was adapted into a series which aired 12 episodes in one season. It didn’t get a second season. Now, it looks like there may be a second chance for a TV adaptation of the book series. Deadline reports that the rights to The Dresden Files have been optioned for series development by Fox 21. Ileen Maisel is set to produce the project for Temple Hill Entertainment with John Fischer and Julie Waters overseeing it.
“The books follow private investigator and wizard Harry Dresden, as he recounts investigations into supernatural disturbances in modern-day Chicago. In the world of The Dresden Files, magic is real, along with vampires, demons, spirits, faeries, werewolves, outsiders, and other monsters. Harry Dresden works as the world’s only “consulting wizard”, accepting supernatural cases from both human and nonhuman clients, as well as the Chicago PD’s Special Investigation unit. As the series progresses, Dresden takes on an increasingly important role in the supernatural world at large, as he works to protect the general public, making getting by as a working wizard and private investigator difficult for him. He finds himself facing off against an increasing variety of creatures (including other wizards), while facing the realization that his various cases may all be tied together behind the scenes and that his role might be even greater than he is willing to admit.”
The premise is a strong one and is very promising for an adaptation. In addition to the failed show from 2007, the series has been expanded with short stories, comics, and even a role-playing game. The one catch is that fans are being warned by Butcher himself to not believe everything they read.
Of course, there could be something else that Butcher is referring to, although not likely. It could also mean that the books won’t get straight adaptations, but rather the world will be used for a new story via TV. At first glance though, it does look like Butcher is saying this is a lie and not going to happen at all. What are your thoughts?