Netflix has taken a significant step into the fantasy genre by moving forward with a live-action adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons: The Forgotten Realms. Helmed by influential producer Shawn Levy (Stranger Things, Deadpool & Wolverine) and writer-showrunner Drew Crevello (WeCrashed), this project is expected to dive deep into one of the most iconic settings in the D&D universe.
A Legendary Setting Comes to Life
Originally introduced in 1987, The Forgotten Realms has served as a backdrop for countless tabletop campaigns, novels, and comic books. Fans of the 2023 film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves will recognize references to this rich fantasy world, which boasts myriad races and creatures, from humans and elves to orcs and dragons. For this new series, Crevello has written the pilot and will also serve as showrunner.
Big Names and Larger-Than-Life Ambitions
Shawn Levy’s involvement in this project is a timely match, given his work on Stranger Things, which itself propelled Dungeons & Dragons back into the cultural spotlight. Levy and his producing partner Dan Levine are attached as executive producers under their 21 Laps banner, aligning the project with Netflix’s strategy of developing blockbuster-sized original content.
The Road to Netflix
This adaptation has traveled a complex path. Development originally began when Hasbro subsidiary eOne prioritized a Dungeons & Dragons series in 2021. After a brief stop at Paramount+, which ultimately did not advance the series, Hasbro Entertainment took the reins and redeveloped the show with a fresh concept, bringing Crevello back to spearhead the creative vision.
Building a D&D Universe
While Netflix and Hasbro Entertainment have not officially commented on the current development, insiders suggest the potential for a larger D&D universe if this series proves successful. That universe could encompass countless plots and characters drawn from the extensive D&D canon, including epic battles, treasure hunts, and world-shattering quests.
The Ever-Expanding Dungeons & Dragons Legacy
Since its launch nearly five decades ago, Dungeons & Dragons has drawn over 50 million players worldwide, becoming a cornerstone of tabletop gaming. The Forgotten Realms, in particular, has been the stage for numerous novels, video games, livestream shows, and more—providing a wealth of material that makes it an ideal setting for a serialized drama.
Talent Behind the Scenes
Shawn Levy, who most recently contributed to the Deadpool & Wolverine film, continues to juggle this project alongside his responsibilities for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Drew Crevello is coming off his success creating and producing the Apple limited series WeCrashed, starring Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway.
With these formidable talents teaming up and Netflix’s commitment to building expansive fantasy worlds, The Forgotten Realms series could become a new epic for fans of both the game and the genre.
Sources: Deadline, Netflix, Hasbro Entertainment
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