Hulu feels that the ‘Wild Cards‘ universe, which George R.R. Martin helps curate, could feasibly become the next ‘Game of Thrones‘ and has ordered not one but two shows based on the franchise. The streaming service has put together a writer’s room which plans to bring about a shared universe between these two shows.
Hulu hasn’t secured the rights quite yet but is in final negotiations and things are looking good for the network. The idea is that the overall plans for both series will be put together by Andrew Miller (‘The Secret Circle’) who has a deal in place with UCP. Melinda Snodgrass, Vince Gerardis, and Martin would all be attached as executive producers for the various series that this would end up spawning.
The ‘Wild Card’ franchise is a shared universe which spans across novels, stand-alone stories, anthologies, and more. It is fully edited by Martin and Snodgrass. The pair developed the framework for the series which has expanded into 27 books have been published since 1987 spread across four publishers with even more in the works.
The series itself is based on an alternate reality wherein 1946 an alien virus was released over Manhattan and killed 90 percent of those who were infected by it. The survivors had their DNA altered and were dealt a “wild card” in that either they would have a chance to grow into huge physical deformities or get superhuman powers. The virus can go dormant and undetected until a traumatic event triggers it. This will kill, mutate, or bestow powers onto the person. Much of this results from the emotional state of the victim. The series itself will be set in the present day where decades of either being “worshipped, oppressed, exploited and ignored” motivate the victims now wanting to have a say in their own future.
Are you looking forward to being able to take a peek into the world of ‘Wild Cards’? If you’ve read the books, do you think this vast fountain of material could be used to bring us more shows down the line? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
