A roundup of sci fi and fantasy television development news from the past couple of weeks.
ABC is working on a female led superhero series
Network: ABC
Credits: Allan Heinberg (Writer / Executive Producer), Jeph Loeb (Executive Producer), ABC Studios (Studio)
Starring: TBA
Description: “The series will be about female characters with superpowers.” Deadline Hollywood
Comments: There are few details available on this one other than it will focus on female superheroes. The network will likely be targeting Fall 2019 to get this one on the schedule.
Disney streaming service has plans for Loki and Scarlet Witch mini-series, possibly more
Network: Disney Streaming
Credits: TBA
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen
Description: “[Disney] is in early development on an ambitious plan for a number of limited series centered on popular characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These series will likely include shows centered on Loki and the Scarlet Witch, along with other beloved superheroes who have yet to appear in their own standalone movies.” Variety
Comments: Separate mini-series are planned for both the Loki and Scarlet Witch characters and possibly more. This could be an important development in the expansion of the Marvel Universe movies, and it opens up possibilities for the return of characters like Agent Carter, The Inhumans, and more.
Netflix is working on a live action reboot of Avatar: The Last Airbender
Network: Netflix
Credits: Bryan Konietzko (Creator / Executive Producer), Michael DiMartino (Creator / Executive Producer)
Starring: TBA
Description: This will be a live-action reboot of the acclaimed animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender which ran for three season on Nickelodeon. Hollywood Reporter
Comments: Original series creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino are onboard for this production and have promised to bring on “a culturally appropriate, non-whitewashed cast” for the live-action adaptation.
Fantasy book series The Riftwar Saga set for TV adaptation
Network: TBA
Credits: Kurt Johnstad (Writer), Claude Dal Farra (Executive Producer), Brice Dal Farra (Executive Producer)
Starring: TBA
Description: “In Magician [the first book of The Riftwar Saga] the peace of the Kingdom of the Isles is destroyed when mysterious invaders from another world swarm the land. A young magician’s destiny leads him through a rift in the fabric of space and time to master the powers of a strange new magic, while his warrior friend inherits a legacy of savage power from an ancient civilization.” Deadline Hollywood Based on the book series by Raymond E. Feist.
Comments: No television network is attached to this at the moment, but it should draw some interest.
Syfy orders pilot for Resident Alien starring Alan Tudyk
Network: Syfy
Credits: Universal Cable Productions (Production Company)
Starring: Alan Tudyk, Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund, Levi Fiehler
Description: “Resident Alien follows a crash-landed alien named Harry (Tudyk) who, after taking on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor, slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth — ultimately asking the question, “Are human beings worth saving?” Tudyk’s Doctor Harry Vanderspeigle is one of the town’s most reclusive citizens. The alien is up to no good, but his mission is sidetracked when the local doctor is murdered and our alien Harry is forced to take his place.” Deadline Hollywood Based on the Dark Horse comic of the same name.
Comments: Syfy has ordered a pilot for this series and will likely be considering it for their 2019 schedule.
Horror series The Birch coming to Facebook Watch
Network: Facebook Watch
Credits: Jack Davis (Executive Producer), Kate Krantz (Executive Producer), Darren Brandl (Executive Producer), Crypt TV (Production Company)
Starring: TBA
Description: “The Birch is centered around the dark relationship between a synonymous monster protector in the woods and a pure-hearted teenager who summons her in a time of crisis. The episodes will be told from multiple character perspectives as their lives are indelibly shaped by the titular character.” Deadline Hollywood This is based on the short film of the same name from Crypt TV that went viral and drew 35 million views.
Comments: Fifteen episodes are planned for the first season of this series.
CBS has supernatural cop series Far Rockaway in the works
Network: CBS
Credits: David Wilcox (Writer / Executive Producer), Alex Kurtzman (Executive Producer)
Starring: TBA
Description: “In Far Rockaway, a workaholic NYPD detective killed in the line of duty is granted a second chance to return to earth in the body of another cop in order to bring his killer to justice and heal the fractured family he left behind.” <em>Deadline Hollywood
Comments: The network will probably be looking to get this one on next year’s schedule.
The Fall season is upon us and will be bringing over forty new and returning sci fi and fantasy television shows. You can see our full preview of the coming season at this link. And be sure to stay tuned to this site and the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site throughout the season for the latest ratings results and status updates for your favorite shows.
