The Jim Henson Company is Set to Develop a Series Based on Fantasy Book Series THE WITCHLANDS
Over the weekend it was announced at DragonCon that The Jim Henson Company has optioned the rights to Susan Dennard’s fantasy book series The Witchlands and they will develop it as a live-action TV series. The announcement came from Dennard and Halle Stanford, who is the President of Television for The Jim Henson Company.
The story "is set in a world where three empires rule and every member of the population is born with a magical skill set, known as a 'witchery'. Now, as the Twenty- Year Truce in a centuries-long war is about to come to an end, the balance of power will fall on the shoulders of two young women Safiya and Iseult, who must accept their fate, and themselves, to survive."
The book series is set on a distant continent, and it "follows best friends Safi (a Truthwitch) and Iseult (a Threadwitch), as well as the cunning ship captain Prince Merik (a Windwitch), and the mysterious and powerful Aeduan (a Bloodwitch) as they must navigate warring empires, political machinations, and mercenaries who seek to use their magic for selfish gain."
I haven't read this book series, but judging by the story description it sounds like it will be a great series and perfect project for The Jim Henson Company to take on! There are two books in the series, a spinoff, and there's a third book on the way called Bloodwitch that will be released next year.
Lisa Henson, CEO and President of The Jim Henson Company and Stanford will serve as executive producers for the project. Dennard will serve as co-executive producer and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop will create the creature characters for the series.
Stanford had this to say in a statement:
"The Witchlands features a world of magic and astonishing characters that our Creature Shop can sink its teeth into and bring to life in an exciting and fresh way. These books fulfill our desire to dive deep into a high fantasy world a la Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, where the women are the heroes and the world itself is seen through a feminine lens."
Dennard added:
"I’m so thrilled that The Witchlands is in the hands of such a dynamic and creative company as The Jim Henson Company. This is a literal dream come true, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with to bring the world, characters, magic, and creatures to life!"
I also can't wait to see what they come up with! This sounds like it could end up being an epic fantasy series and the talent at the Jim Henson Company seem to have a knack for that kind of stuff!
Source: Deadline