Sir Terry Pratchett’s production company Narrativia (Good Omens) has entered into a development deal with Endeavor Content and UK-based producer Motive Pictures to further adapt Pratchett’s fantasy Discworld novels, according to Deadline. The news follows BBC America’s announcement in 2018 that they had ordered an eight-part series, The Watch, based on the Discworld universe and set to star Game of Thrones’ Richard Dormer as Sam Vimes.
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Narrativia, Endeavor Content, and Motive Pictures have apparently made it clear they will have an “exclusive” relationship moving forward, however, in order to create “truly authentic” adaptations. They intend to develop a series of adaptations that “remain absolutely faithful” to Pratchett’s original vision.
Pratchett’s Discworld novels consist of 41 stories and take place on a flat planet known as Discworld, balanced on the backs of four elephants which in turn stand on the back of a giant turtle.
Rhianna Pratchett, Co-Director of Narrativia, said, “Discworld teems with unique characters, witty narrative and incredible literary tropes, and we feel these should be realised on screen in a form that my father would be proud of. It’s wonderful to embark on this journey with Motive and Endeavor Content, who both perfectly share our vision to make this a reality.”
“Discworld is a national treasure and we are thrilled to be forging this new partnership with Narrativia and Endeavor Content. Together we will produce shows that will be loved by millions of Discworld fans worldwide, whilst also opening up Sir Terry Pratchett’s epic creations and legacy to new audiences. We launched Motive to make high-quality British shows with global scale and impact and I can think of nothing that exemplifies that ambition more than this hugely exciting partnership,” added Simon Maxwell, CEO of Motive Pictures.
Maxwell and Sam Lavender will serve as executive producers for Motive Pictures while Endeavor Content handles worldwide sales.
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The series has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. The first novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983 with the final novel, The Shepherd’s Crown, debuting in 2015, following Pratchett’s death. The deal was notably announced today on the author’s birthday.
Pratchett’s books are said to often parody or take inspiration from writers like J.R.R. Tolkein, Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare, as well as mythology, folklore, and fairy tales. The novels often pay homage to them with satirical parallels of cultural, political, and scientific issues.
