While Showtime and Lionsgate are developing a prequel series to Patrick Rothfuss’ The Kingkiller Chronicle, with Broadway’s Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda producing, a film adaptation of the series is also in development, and Variety has revealed that negotiations are underway with Sam Raimi (the Spider-Man trilogy) to direct the film.
The Kingkiller Chronicle follows a pair of wandering performers on their adventures through the fantastical world of Temerant, immersing audiences in a universe of unexpected heroes, mystical places, and terrifying dark forces. The film’s script was written by Lindsey Beer (Transformers: The Last Knight) and will adapt the first book in Rothfuss’ trilogy, The Name of the Wind.
The series has been very successful, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Rothfuss has published The Name of the Wind and its sequel, The Wise Man’s Fear, while he is currently writing the third book in the trilogy, The Doors of Stone. Rothfus will be intimately involved in both the television and film series with Miranda producing and creating the music for both. Miranda may also be attached to a potential stage play of the series.
Raimi’s work lately has consisted of producing more than directing, such as the Ash vs. the Evil Dead television series, Spartacus and Poltergeist. The last film he directed was 2013’s Oz: The Great and Powerful and though he has been talking with Skydance to direct Bermuda Triangle, it is likely The Kingkiller Chronicle will be his next project.
Originally published January 30, 2018. Updated December 6, 2018.
