Showtime is set to develop the series adaptation of “The Kingkiller Chronicle” that has been in the works at Lionsgate, the network announced Thursday.
The series will be executive produced by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, with John Rogers serving as showrunner. Miranda will also compose music for the series, which is based on Patrick Rothfuss’ bestselling contemporary fantasy trilogy. Produced by Lionsgate, the series will be executive produced by Rogers, Miranda, Rothfuss, Robert Lawrence, and Jennifer Court.
“Showtime has always championed bold storytelling,” said Miranda. “Pat Rothruss’ ‘Kingkiller’ series is some of the most exciting storytelling I have ever read. I could not be more thrilled to help bring the sights and sounds of his wondrous world of Temerant to the screen.”
The series is centered on the wizard Kvothe, who survives a tragic childhood to become a notorious household name. “The Kingkiller Chronicle” series of books and novellas has sold 10 million copies, and the first two books — “The Name of the Wind” and “The Wise Man’s Fear” — were New York Times bestsellers. The television adaption is an origin story set a generation before the events of the first novel.
“‘The Kingkiller Chronicle’ moves Showtime into a new genre in a powerful and unique way, led by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda and John Rogers,” said Gary Levine, president of programming for Showtime Networks. “We can’t wait for this talented team to harness the magic of ‘Kingkiller’ to transport us all into an awesome new world.”
Miranda won two Tony Awards in recognition for “Hamilton,” his musical that received a Tony-record 16 nominations, winning 11. He earned his first two nominations and won his first Tony for “In the Heights.“ He has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards, winning for outstanding original music and lyrics for the 67th Tony Awards. He received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for the original song “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s “Moana.“ His onscreen credits include “How I Met Your Mother,” “Modern Family,” “The Sopranos,” and “The Electric Company,” as well as the upcoming feature “Mary Poppins Returns.”
Rogers created and executive produced the series “Leverage,” “The Librarians,” and “The Player.” His feature film credits include “Transformers,” “The Core,” and “American Outlaws.” He also has a background in comics, including the Blue Beetle relaunch for DC Comics.
“‘The Kingkiller Chronicle’ is one of the most coveted properties in the world, and we’re thrilled to partner with a brilliant creator in Pat Rothfuss, a creative genius in Lin-Manuel Miranda and a renowned showrunner in John Rogers,” said Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs. “With Showtime as our network partner, we continue to assemble a world-class team for our ‘Kingkiller’ franchise.”
Lionsgate announced in 2015 that it was developing a movie, TV show, and video game based on the fantasy series.
(Pictured: Lin-Manuel Miranda)
