Movies and TV Shows Inspired by Novels: 2016 Roundup

BreakingModern – Everybody knows that HBO’s massively popular show Game of Thrones is based on a book series by author George R.R. Martin. And whether you’re a card-carrying Comic-Con nerd or not, you probably know that AMC’s The Walking Dead originally came from a comic book. In fact, many of the shows you enjoy undoubtedly came from the printed page. Expect this trend to continue next year and beyond. Here’s a handy roundup of movies and TV shows based on best-selling novels that are scheduled for 2016.

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One of the most anticipated book-to-screen adaptations on the horizon is The Name of the Wind, the first volume in Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles. The author recently wrote on his blog that the film option on his series had expired (right around the time of San Diego Comic-Con in July). Immediately after his announcement, Rothfuss was approached by a riot of studios that wanted to nab his series.

Long story short, Lionsgate won the bidding war and plans to create a movie, a television series and a video game based on Rothfuss’ books. The series includes The Wise Man’s Fear and multiple novellas such as The Slow Regard of Silent Things.

Rothfuss is well known for his ability to craft words to paper and weave an intricate tale. Before he came along, however, Terry Brooks led elves and dwarves through magical forests in his stunning Shannara series. For many years fans have been begging Brooks to allow his fantastical series to be licensed. And now it’s finally happening as a television series. Brooks will be working with MTV to bring his story to life. A stellar cast has already been assembled which includes Manu Bennett (as Allanon) and John Rhys-Davies (as Eventine Elessedil) and Austin Butler (as Wil Ohmsford). For the record, the sneak peak trailer looked brilliant when it was previewed at SDCC.

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When Lev Grossman’s The Magicians hit bookstore shelves in 2009 it received critical acclaim for its grit and the way it allowed its characters to be flawed (they were all miserable jerks). Grossman is a self-depreciating author with a dry wit and sarcastic humor, but the tales he tells come from a place of truth and learning. Working with the syfy network, the series will take a look at Quentin Coldwater’s life as a brilliant grad student enrolled at Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy and his relationships with fellow students. The series is set to launch in January 2016.

Novels

Despite lukewarm reviews of the movie adaptation of The Mortal Instruments, Cassandra Clare’s series is set for a revival on the small screen. Clare’s novel focuses on a girl who discovers that she is a demon hunter in a magical (and invisible) world. Clare will be working alongside Freeform (formerly ABC Family), and the series is set to launch in May.

Novels

Another brilliant book that hasn’t been adapted to the screen yet is Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. The story follows a man named Shadow who is approached after his release from prison to act as a bodyguard. Shadow’s journey leads him into a war-torn world of dying gods. Fans will be pleased to learn that Gaiman is writing the pilot script. And the project is currently being developed by cable station Starz.

J.K. Rowling’s tale of magical creatures called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is slated for a November 2016 release date. It will star Eddie Redmayne (as Newt Scamander) and Katherine Waterston (as Porpentina Scamander). Other notable books to hit the big (and small) screen in 2016 include: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling (April), The BFG by Roald Dahl (July), The Lost City of Z by David Grann (TBA) and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis (also TBA).

For BMod, I’m .

All Screenshots: BMod Staff

Cassandra Chin

Author: Cassandra Chin

Based in Toronto, Cassandra covers fitness, apps and books for BreakingModern. Follow her @cchin01

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