A live-action TV adaptation ofDungeons & Dragonsis in the works with aStranger Thingscreative. There have been several attempts to adapt the fantasy tabletop RPG, withfourDungeons & Dragonsmovieshaving already been released. 2023’sDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieveswas the most recent. The format and epic scope of the game, as well as the imaginative elements, have made it a notoriously challenging adaptation. As previous adaptations have struggled to get off the ground, there has been interest in adapting the intellectual property to a new medium.
PerDeadline,a live-action adaptation ofDungeons & Dragonsis in the works at Netflix with Hasbro Entertainment. It will be developed by writer-showrunner Drew Crevello, with long-time Netflix collaborator Levy set to come on board as a producer. The series will be titledThe Forgotten Realmsand will take place during the famous campaign setting. If it is a success, it could lead to a properDungeons & Dragonsuniverse. Netflix and Hasbro had no comment on the news.
What This Means For The Dungeons & Dragons TV Show
A Long-Form Version Could Be The Ideal Option For This Fantasy IP
TheDungeons & Dragonsmovies were a mix of theatrical and home video releases. However, despite each movie offering something new,the property just doesn’t seem to work in the realm of a feature film, which is what makes a TV adaptation so interesting. This brings a completely fresh and unique approach toDungeons & Dragonsand could reinvigorate interest in the film series. It could even lead to anHonor Among Thievessequel filmat some point in the future.
ADungeons & Dragonsshow was previously in development at Paramount+, but despite landing a series order, it was scrapped, leading to Hasbro seeking out a new partner.
Netflix has become a haven for long-form storytelling in recent years, and this could be just exactly whatDungeons & Dragonsneeds for a successful adaptation. A TV series would allow for greater scope, deeper storylines, richer and more textured character arcs, and multi-season dramatic plotlines to be explored. Having a strong creative team on board is key too. As an executive producer onStranger Thingsseason 5,Levy will be coming off the back of a huge genre project, and will be well-placed to helm another ambitious show.
Our Take On A Dungeons & Dragons Netflix Adaptation
It Could Be A Hit, But There’s Always The Risk Of An Early Cancelation
Netflix has spent a lot of time and money on its originals in recent times. With flagship series likeStranger Things,You, andCobra Kaicoming to an end this year,the streamer will be looking for another popular show to fill the roster.Dungeons & Dragonscould be the perfect option for this, but, as is common with Netflix, there is always a risk the show will be canceled prematurely. Hopefully, aDungeons & Dragonsadaptation is a successful long-term hit for Netflix.
