It appears as if everything is coming up Milhouse for Pulitzer, Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda of Broadway's Hamilton fame, as he has been tapped by SHOWTIME to executively produce a new TV series alongside John Rogers (LEVERAGE, THE PLAYER) as the forthcoming program's showrunner. In addition to his executive producer role, Miranda will also compose music for the series, which is based on Patrick Rothfuss’s global bestselling contemporary fantasy trilogy.
Produced by Lionsgate, THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLE will take place in the world of the wildly popular fantasy series by Rothfuss, and will follow a pair of wandering performers on their adventures through the unique and startling world of Temerant, immersing audiences in a universe of unexpected heroes, mystical places, and terrifying dark forces. It is a world that has captured the imaginations of readers and critics alike, selling more than 10 million copies in 35 languages across the globe. The television adaption will serve as a subversive origin story of legendary proportions set a generation before the events of the trilogy's first novel, The Name of the Wind.
In talking about his excitement to be a part of the making of the series, Lin-Manuel Miranda stated "SHOWTIME has always championed bold storytelling. Pat Rothruss' Kingkiller series is some of the most exciting storytelling I have ever read. I could not be more thrilled to help bring the sights and sounds of his wondrous world of Temerant to the screen.”
Following up on Miranda's enthusiastic comments was Gary Levine, President of Programming, Showtime Networks Inc., who said “THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLE moves SHOWTIME into a new genre in a powerful and unique way, led by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda and John Rogers. We can’t wait for this talented team to harness the magic of Kingkiller to transport us all into an awesome new world.”
Then, not wanting to be left out of the promotional lovefest, Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs commented on how thrilled he is with the team that has been assembled to work on the new project by saying “THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLE is one of the most coveted properties in the world, and we’re thrilled to partner with a brilliant creator in Pat Rothfuss, a creative genius in Lin-Manuel Miranda and a renowned showrunner in John Rogers. With SHOWTIME as our network partner, we continue to assemble a world-class team for our Kingkiller franchise.”
Well how do you like that? Personally, I love the idea of Miranda dipping his influential toes into the river of fantasy television. He's an exceedingly talented dude, and I have no doubt that he will give THE KINGKILLER property his all when serving his multiple roles in the creative process. In fact, I very well might go and purchase the series and give it a read, thanks to this cool announcement.