The adaptation of Stephen King’sFairy Taleis now moving to a TV series.Fairy Taleis a 2022 King novelabout a 17-year-old boy who discovers a doorway into a fantasy realm where forces of good and evil lurk.Fairy Talewas originally announced to be getting a film adaptation that was slated to be directed by Paul Greengrass, who is known for his work on films such asCaptain Phillips,United 93, and theJason Bournemovies.
PerDeadline,Fairy Talewill now be made into a 10-episode TV series. The series will be developed by A24 and executive produced by King and Greengrass along with Peter Rice and J.H. Wyman. Greengrass and Wyman will work on expanding the script forFairy Talefrom its original film form. Greengrass is also reportedly still attached to direct episodes ofFairy Tale, but his directing deal has not yet been confirmed. Wyman will serve as the showrunner for the series.
What Fairy Tale’s Change To TV Means For The Adaptation
The Fairy Tale Adaptation Will Be Able To Include More Of The Story
The switch-up from a film to a TV adaptation ofFairy Talewill be significant to the project’s storytelling. Given the length of the book and the sheer number of fantastical locations in it,Fairy Talewill likely work better as a show. The 10-episode format will allow the 600-page novel to be more fully adapted. What starts as a quest to save a dog becomes a high-adventure story involving royalty, a dungeon, gladiators, and a beast that dwells underground.
Stephen King’s 10 Best Non-Horror Books, Ranked
Stephen King is most famous for his chilling horror stories, but the author has made several attempts to break free of that genre over the years.
Another good sign forFairy Taleis the fact that they havesuch a high-caliber production team behind the show. Greengrass is skilled at developing multipart story sagas, as he did with theBourneseries. Likewise, Greengrass' script collaborator, Wyman, has experience in television, having worked on theacclaimed showFringe. The backgrounds of these creators suggest a powerful run forFairy Tale, leaving a lot to be excited about.
Why Fairy Tale Is An Especially Exciting Stephen King Project
Fairy Tale Is Not Horror
Though King is best known for his writing in the horror genre,Fairy Taleis distinct in that it is a fantasy rather than a horror novel. While it is not the only time King has written fantasy, the genre is more of a rarity for the author. For that reason, I seeFairy Taleas an exciting chance to see a King adaptation that is far distinct from something likePet SemataryorCarrie.Non-horror King has been successful in the past(e.g.The Green MileorThe Life of Chuck), which also bodes well for the success ofFairy Tale.
Fairy Tale
Fairy Tale follows 17-year-old Charlie Reade, who inherits keys to a concealed, otherworldly realm. As he navigates this hidden world, Charlie finds himself at the center of an epic battle between the forces of good and evil.
