Lionsgate is picking up the rights for Patrick Rothfuss’ best-selling fantasy book series “The Kingkiller Chronicle,” which the studio plans to develop into movies, a television series and video games simultaneously, TheWrap has learned.
Rothfuss had met with other studios such as Warner Bros. and MGM at Comic-Con, prior to making the deal with Lionsgate.
Robert Lawrence, known for producing “Clueless,” is set to produce.
“The Kingkiller Chronicle” follows the life of Kvothe, a man gifted with magic who turns out to be the most notorious wizard in the world.
Rothfuss’ first book, titled “The Name of the Wind,” was first published in 2007, with the second one published in 2011. The third book in the series is currently in the works. In fact, both ranked on the New York Times Best Seller List and are the best-selling fantasy series behind George R. R. Martin‘s “Game of Thrones.”
“Honestly, I’ve never been very interested in a straight-up movie deal,” Rothfuss said of the deal. “But Lionsgate was willing to work out something different, a multi-platform deal where they develop the films, TV series, and games simultaneously. That will give us the screen time to develop the characters and show off the world. What’s more, through this whole process, they’ve treated me with amazing respect. I never thought a studio would approach me as a creative partner who understands how stories work.”
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erik Feig and creative executives Jeyun Choi Munford and Jessica Switch will oversee the film development, whereas Executive Vice President of Television Chris Selak will oversee the developments for the television side.
The company’s President of Interactive Ventures and Games Peter Levin will spearhead the gaming aspect.