A fantasy novel byAlan Mooreis getting a television adaptation. An influential author, known for his seminal comic book work, Moore is behind titles such asWatchmen,V for Vendetta,Batman: The Killing Joke,From Hell, andSwamp Thing. However, he has a reputation for holding oppositional views of adaptations, including his own, and has argued that he aims to illuminate what comic books are capable of as a storytelling medium rather than translating it into a different format. But he is significantly more positive about an adaptation that’s just been announced.
Deadlineconfirms thatThe Great When, a new fantasy novel by Moore, is getting a TV adaptation. The production company Playground landed the rights toThe Great When, a fantasy graphic novel that was published by Bloomsbury on October 1. It’s the first in Moore’s planned five-volume Long London series of epic fantasy novels, which Playground plans to adapt into a series that spans several seasons. Moore reacted to the news in the statement below:
For the first time in my career, I’m genuinely excited and enthusiastic about a work of mine…one that I own, and believe could work marvelously in a different medium…being adapted for the screen.
In Playground, I feel that I’ve connected with people who respect both me and the narrative and are receptive to such input as I can offer. And, given Playground’s track record, I have little doubt that this will be anything short of spectacular. It’s taken me some time, but I think at last I’m ready for my closeup.
David Stern, the Joint Joint Managing Director of Playground, who played a big role in securing the rights, also shared a statement:
Alan Moore’sThe Great Whenis an extraordinary work of imagination, combining elements of history, fantasy, and mystery to create a world that is both epic and intimate, strange yet deeply human. This project represents the type of storytelling we at Playground are passionate about, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Alan, one of the most influential writers of our time, to bring this remarkable work to television.
What An Adaptation Of Great When Would Mean
The Story Follows A Young Clerk
The Great Whenunfolds in post-WWII London centering on a character named Dennis Knuckleyard. A young clerk, employed by a second-hand bookshop,Dennis comes across a novel that simply does not exist. It is a fictitious book from The Great When, which is described as a hellish and imaginary realm that is essentially the supernatural counterpart to Dennis' city.The young clerk soon faces the choice of returning the book or getting killed, putting him through various events that could endanger both cities forever.
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Theadaptation represents a pivot for Playground, which is notable for its focus on British period dramas. The production company is behindWolf Hall, which is back for season 2. Playground is also behindKing Lear. These projects have attracted big actors, from Mark Rylance toAnthony Hopkins. It is still early in the journey ofThe Great When, with more books to be written and talent that will be attached to the project. But if there’s the same level of consideration in the casting, that will be another point in the adaptation’s favor.
Colin Callender‘s production outfitwill now shift its focus to a potential franchise, with the rare advantage of having Moore’s blessing to move forward. It’s a significant distinction, considering the author’s long history of his works getting adapted. Not all of that history has been as positive as Moore’s recent remarks.
Alan Moore’s History With Adaptions, Explained
There Have Been Past Controversies
The firstAlan Moore adaptationwas 2001’sFrom Hell, which starred Johnny Depp. Directed by the sibling duo of Albert and Allen Hughes, the film featured several changes. The main character was reshaped from an older detective to a younger protagonist, played by Depp. 2003’sLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemencame next, again featuring significant alterations and changes to the ending.Moore would later say that it was “naive” of himto assume that no one would confuse the movies with the original comics.
Moore’s discomfort with theExtraordinary Gentlemenadaptation would continuewhen the movie was the subject of a lawsuit, alleging that the adaptation plagiarized an unproduced script. He would go on to say that he sold the rights for money and that he hadn’t seenThe League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Following these issues and others, Moore requested that his name be removed from adaptations, includingWatchmenandV for Vendetta, adding that he would not allow his name to be used in any future adaptations of works he does not own.
The author’s biggest dispute, however, has been with Warner Bros.The studio was caught in a conflict with Moore, who disputed that he wanted to be involved in the Wachowskis’ adaptation ofV for Vendetta. The author would go on to share his criticisms in blunt terms, saying in an interview withMTV.comthat the source material was “specifically about things like fascism and anarchy. Those words, ‘fascism’ and ‘anarchy,’ occur nowhere in the film.”
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Following these issues and others, Moore requested that his name be removed from adaptations, includingWatchmenandV for Vendetta, adding that he would not allow his name to be used in any future adaptations of works he does not own and that he wouldn’t accept money from such works. As a result, he is not associated with some of his biggest recent adaptations, including HBO’s version ofWatchmen. Itmakes his approval ofThe Great Whenall the more significant.
Our Take On The Great When
It’s A Notable Change In Tone
Alan Moore doesn’t mince words about adaptationsof his work and notable criticism of the current state of the comic book industry and superhero movies. It is understandable, considering his conflict with WB and the long disagreements between the two sides. Perhaps the most significant part ofThe Great Whenadaptation, coming from an author who has not always given his stamp of approval, is that he’s embraced it.
Source:Deadline,MTV.com
Alan Moore
Discover the latest news and filmography for Alan Moore, known for V for Vendetta and Watchmen.
