Hasbro and Entertainment One are in the midst of planning multiple projects as part of a Dungeons and Dragons franchise. Now, John Wick writer and creator Derek Kolstad has been tapped to pen and develop a live-action series based on the fantasy role-playing game.
First published in 1974, Dungeons and Dragons players assume the roles of humans, elves, and other fantasy characters created by themselves. Under the guidance of the tabletop role-playing game's referee and storyteller, referred to as the Dungeon Master, players embark on a series of imaginary adventures, engage in battles, and participate in other quests with results that are often determined by rolling multisided dice. In 2000, New Line Cinemas released a live-action Dungeons and Dragons feature film adaptation of the role-playing game starring Thora Birch and Jeremy Irons, which performed poorly at the box office yet managed to spawn a made-for-television sequel and a direct-to-DVD third film.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned eOne is currently working with multiple writers to develop various projects set within a Dungeons and Dragons universe, including the aforementioned series being crafted by Kolstad. Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner first revealed a Dungeons and Dragons series was being considered during an October 2020 earning call, in which he noted sales of the RPG had increased 20 percent from 2019. As previously reported, Hasbro and Paramount Pictures are also producing a new live-action Dungeons and Dragons feature film with John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein on board as writers and co-directors. Wonder Woman 1984 star Chris Pine is reportedly in talks to star in the Dungeons and Dragons film, with the studios aiming to begin production later this year.
After helping to launch the John Wick franchise as the writer of the original film, Kolstad returned to pen the screenplays for the first two sequels. The main films in the series center on Keanu Reeves as the titular hitman, who seeks revenge against those who murdered the dog given to him by his late wife. More recently, Kolstad served as one of the writers on Marvel Studios' upcoming Disney Plus series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Hasbro began taking a more active role in the development and production of projects based on its properties after acquiring eOne in 2019. In addition to its plans for the Dungeons and Dragons franchise, Hasbro is also teaming with Jonathan Entwistle to produce multiple Power Rangers projects for film and television.
At this point, it appears there are few Hasbro toys or games that aren't being considered for film or television. For instance, House of Cards creator Beau Willimon is reportedly being courted by eOne for a series based on the board game Risk.
John Wick is now available on Netflix.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter