Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth prequel series in development

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

If you've been craving more tales of political and religious intrigue during England's Dark Ages from international best-selling author Ken Follett, then you're in luck. Legendary TV and Range Media Partners have optioned Follett's latest work in his Kingsbridge saga, The Evening and the Morning, with the intention of developing it as a series.

The Evening and the Morning is a prequel to Ken Follet's The Pillars of the Earth, which took place in the 12th century as it chronicled the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge alongside real-life historical events. The new series will take place in 997 CE as England is facing attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east, while those in power bend justice to their will, disregarding ordinary people and often coming in conflict with the king. The novel follows three characters who find their lives intertwined — a young boat builder, a Norman noblewoman, and a monk — who all come into conflict with a clever and ruthless bishop who will do anything to increase his wealth and power.

"I look forward eagerly to the development of The Evening and the Morning as a television series, and I’m delighted that my story is in such good hands," Follett said in a statement. Range Media Partner’s Michael Cooper added, "Ken Follett is one of the great authors of our time – and The Evening and the Morning is exactly why. Its power and beauty and brutality and humanity all swirl together in the most immersive ways. It’s a beautiful book for this medium. Range is honored to partner with Legendary to bring this stunning book to life." The Pillars of the Earth was brought to life as a Starz miniseries in 2010, and was followed by sequel series, World Without End, in 2012. It was also announced last year that a TV series based on the third book in Follett's Kingsbridge series, A Column Of Fire, was also in development.