Deadline is reporting that The Jim Henson Company has acquired the rights to Susan Dennard’s The Witchlands books, and is developing a live-action TV adaptation.
The books take place on a distant continent, in which some are born with a “witchery,” a magical skill that sets them apart from others, and ” follows best friends Safi (a Truthwitch) and Iseult (a Threadwitch), as well as the cunning ship captain Prince Merik (a Windwitch), and the mysterious and powerful Aeduan (a Bloodwitch) as they must navigate warring empires, political machinations, and mercenaries who seek to use their magic for selfish gain.”
“The Witchlands features a world of magic and astonishing characters that our Creature Shop can sink its teeth into and bring to life in an exciting and fresh way,” said Halle Stanford, The Jim Henson Company’s President of Television. “These books fulfill our desire to dive deep into a high fantasy world a la Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, where the women are the heroes and the world itself is seen through a feminine lens.”
“I’m so thrilled that The Witchlands is in the hands of such a dynamic and creative company as The Jim Henson Company,” added Dennard. “This is a literal dream come true, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with to bring the world, characters, magic, and creatures to life!”
Stanford will executive produce the potential series with Lisa Henson, CEO and President of The Jim Henson Company, while Jim Henson’s Creature Shop will handle the show’s various creature characters.
