Given the huge popularity of HBO's Game of Thrones, it seems like a no-brainer that film and TV studios would be looking for the next big fantasy book series to adapt. The most obvious answer has always been Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time saga, a sweeping 14-book saga in the grand tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings that concluded in 2013.
Legal issues have thus far prevented a Wheel of Time film or show from getting the green light, but it looks like that has finally changed. According to Dragonmount.com, a Wheel of Time fansite, it has received word from Jordan's widow herself, Harriet McDougal, that legal issues have been resolved and that a TV adaptation of the saga is underway.
"Wanted to share with you exciting news about The Wheel of Time," reads the announcement. "Legal issues have been resolved. The Wheel of Time will become a cutting edge TV series! I couldn't be more pleased. Look for the official announcement coming soon from a major studio – Harriet."
That's some great news for fans of the book series, who, last year, were scratching their heads upon the sudden appearance of a cheaply-made Wheel of Time pilot episode that aired late at night on the FXX network. The pilot came from Red Eagle Entertainment in cooperation with Universal Pictures as part of a bid to keep the Wheel of Time TV rights, which were set to expire and return to the Jordan Estate if the production company didn't have something to show before a certain date. The pilot was made without the knowledge of McDougal, which angered more than a few fans who have longed to see the saga adapted properly.
Producers of the pilot then sued McDougal, though the lawsuit was eventually dropped. It was all very ugly and very complicated.
It remained uncertain at that point what the future held for the saga, but it looks like all the issues have now been resolved. Considering Universal's previous involvement, it seems safe to assume that it won't be the one bringing Wheel of Time to television. Expect more details as soon as the "major studio" involved in the deal makes an announcement.
