And yet more development news this week including an update on what is going on with the television adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards books. Here is the rundown of this week’s announcements.
Hulu orders two series based on George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards books
Network: Hulu
Credits: Andrew Miller (Writer / Executive Producer), George R.R. Martin (Executive Producer), Melinda Snodgrass (Executive Producer)
Starring: TBA
Description: “Set in the present, the Wild Cards books explores the aftermath of an alien virus (dubbed the “Wild Card” virus), released over Manhattan in 1946 that killed 90 percent of those it infected. In the survivors, DNA was altered, creating grotesque physical deformities, except for a tiny percentage who develop superhuman powers instead. Called the Wild Card virus, it has passed down through generations, and can go undetected until suddenly activated by a traumatic event — at which point the carrier is either killed, mutated or granted god-like powers.” The Wrap
Comments: The Wild Cards books consist of novels and episodic tales focusing on various characters from multiple writers with many of these recurring across multiple stories. Martin created the series and wrote some of the stories while also editing the books. There are currently 27 books in the Wild Cards series.
Syfy orders animated comedy Alien News Desk
Network: Syfy
Credits: Erik Kenward (Executive Producer), Dennis McNicholas (Executive Producer), Lorne Michaels (Executive Producer)
Starring: Will Forte, Heidi Gardner
Description: “Alien News Desk is set in an extra-terrestrial newsroom that covers up-to-the-minute news and commentary about the universe’s most baffling species – the inscrutable Humans of Planet Earth. Hosted by animated is the universe’s real news – give or take a few intergalactic translation errors.” Deadline Hollywood
Comments: Syfy will be looking to add this to their lineup at some point in 2019.
Netflix places ten-episode order for The One
Network: Netflix
Credits: Howard Overman (Creator / Writer / Executive Producer)
Starring: TBA
Description: “The One is set five minutes in the future, in a world where a DNA test can find your perfect partner – the one person you’re genetically predisposed to fall passionately in love with. No matter how good your relationship, which one of us can honestly say we haven’t thought about whether there is someone better out there? What if a hair sample is all it takes to find them? The idea is simple, but the implications are explosive.” Deadline Hollywood
Comments: This is based on the John Marrs book of the same name.
The CW is working on The Strange Case Of the Alchemist Daughter
Network: CW
Credits: AJ Marechal (Writer / Executive Producer), Glenn Geller (Executive Producer), CBS TV Studios (Studio)
Starring: TBA
Description: “The Strange Case Of the Alchemist Daughter is set in Victorian London where two radically different young women – one the daughter of Dr. Jekyll; the other, Mr. Hyde – discover they’re half-sisters when a series of gruesome murders appear connected to their deceased father. They unite with other unsung but remarkable daughters of famous literary figures to rise above societal norms and unearth the mystery of their origins.” Deadline Hollywood
Comments: This is based on the novel of the same name by Theodora Goss. The CW will be considering this for the 2019-20 season.
Netflix has ordered 1899 from Dark creators
Network: Netflix
Credits: Jantje Friese (Creator / Executive Producer), Baran bo Odar (Creator / Executive Producer)
Starring: TBA
Description: “1899 will follow a migrant steamship heading west to leave the old continent from London to New York. The series will follow the boat’s passengers, a mixed bag of European origins who are united by their hopes and dreams for the new century and their future abroad. When they discover another migrant ship adrift on open sea, their journey takes an unexpected turn. What they find on board will turn their passage to the promised land into a horrifying nightmare.” Deadline Hollywood
Comments: This will join Netflix’s lineup of originals at some point in late 2019 or early 2020.
Legendary Entertainment Acquires Movie and Television Rights to Black Hammer Comic
Network: TBA
Credits: Jeff Lemire (Co-Creator / Executive Producer), Dean Ormston (Co-Creator / Executive Producer), Legendary Entertainment (Production Company)
Starring: TBA
Description: “Black Hammer is a superhero who joined with other superheroes — including Golden Gail, Barbalien, and Colonel Weird — to save Spiral City but in process became trapped in a timeless farm town with little chance of escape.” Variety
Comments: No network is attached to the television series yet, but expect this one to draw some interest.
The Fall season is in full swing now with close to fifty new and returning sci fi and fantasy television shows. You can see the rundown of the Fall 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.
