David Farland, Brandon Sanderson
David Farland, Brandon Sanderson / Photo credit: Eugene Powers / Shutterstock.com

Best selling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson is working with FremantleMedia (‘American Gods’) and Random House Studios to create a new multimedia project called ‘Dark One’.  The initiative mainly centers on a TV series, which doesn’t appear to have been ordered by a particular network or service yet.  Sanderson will also write a graphic novel, which will be published by Vault Comics as well as a series of prose novels that will further flesh out the TV show’s storylines and smaller characters.  There will also be a ‘Dark One’ podcast which will help establish this world before the launch of the TV series.

Dark One will be a dramatic fantasy adventure spotlighting a young man who sees visions of strange and fantastical worlds, which he is told are just hallucinations. But this dark and deadly fantasy world that keeps coming to him is actually a real vision of another world – one where he has been prophesied to become a tyrant and destroy this land of interesting creatures, sporadic electrical currents, and a darkening landscape.

FremantleMedia North America’s president of scripted entertainment, Dante Di Loreto discussed this project, saying:

“Brandon Sanderson is a powerful storyteller and one of the world’s most admired fantasy writers.  The narrative of Dark One will examine the dual roles we often take on in life – the ability to be a savior as well as a destroyer, and this innovative creative partnership with Brandon will serve as a catalyst for deepening the connection between him and his many fans.”

Random House Studio’s executive vice president and general manager, Peter Gethers added:

“Brandon Sanderson is one of the most exciting storytellers within the enormous group of authors published by the Penguin Random House group.  We are thrilled to be working with him to create one of his extraordinary worlds for a television audience for the first time.”

Sanderson’s last novel, ‘Oathbringer’ debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List.  This was his sixth book to make the list.  He has won many awards including the Hugo Award for his 2012 novella ‘The Emperor’s Soul’.  His books have been translated into 35 languages and have sold over 12 million copies.

Regarding ‘Dark One’, Sanderson said:

“I’m used to painting a picture in words. Dark One came to life when I freed myself to think of it as a project for actual visual media, with the setting, characters and outline all coming together.  I’m excited to be able to partner with FremantleMedia North America and Random House Studio on this for television.”

Are you a fan of Sanderson’s writing?  Are you looking forward to this multimedia initiative?

Check back for updates as they arrive.

Source: Deadline