Hasbro’s Quest for a Live-Action ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Series Continues with Netflix and Shawn Levy
After the failure of a previously planned ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ TV series at Paramount+, Hasbro has found a new partner and showrunner to attempt a live-action adaptation once more: Netflix and Shawn Levy.
Levy, fresh off the success of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and with rumors of his ‘Star Wars’ film being prioritized if Ryan Gosling joins the cast, will serve as executive producer for ‘The Forgotten Realms’ at Netflix. Drew Crevello, who worked on ‘WeCrashed,’ will co-executive produce alongside Levy and pen the pilot and serve as showrunner for the series.
‘The Forgotten Realms’: Setting and Themes
The show will unfold within the iconic Forgotten Realms setting of ‘D&D,’ a fantasy world teeming with familiar locations like Faerûn, Sword Coast, Underdark, and cities such as Neverwinter, Baldur’s Gate, and Candlekeep.
Paramount+’s Demise and the Shift to Netflix
Hasbro’s initial attempt at a live-action series was to be housed at Paramount+, with Rawson Marshall Thurber and Crevello attached. However, the venture fell apart due to shifting priorities at Paramount and the sale of Hasbro’s former entertainment studio, eOne, to Lionsgate.
Netflix’s Expansion into ‘D&D’ Universe
‘The Forgotten Realms’ at Netflix represents a new and distinct iteration of the concept, with no direct ties to the previous Paramount+ project or the 2023 film ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.’ This latest development suggests Netflix’s pursuit of a ‘D&D’ universe of content, complementing its existing project, the animated ‘Magic: The Gathering’ series from Terry Matalas.
Levy’s Involvement and the Potential for Success
Shawn Levy’s involvement as executive producer brings significant clout to the project. With his proven track record in blockbuster filmmaking and storytelling, Levy’s leadership instills hope for a compelling and engaging adaptation of ‘The Forgotten Realms.’
Crevello’s Writing and Showrunning
Drew Crevello, who has a background in both comedy and drama, is well-equipped to capture the unique blend of fantasy, adventure, and humor that ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ is known for. His writing and showrunning responsibilities will shape the overall narrative and tone of the series.
Conclusion
Netflix’s ‘The Forgotten Realms’ is a significant step forward in Hasbro’s quest for a successful live-action ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ series. With Shawn Levy’s executive production and Drew Crevello’s writing and showrunning expertise, the show has the potential to create an immersive and captivating experience for fans of the legendary tabletop RPG.
