No one seems to know for sure whether Sam Raimi will do a Spider-Man 4, but if he doesn’t, he may already have his next project. The Book Standard says Raimi and his producing partner Joshua Donen have bought the rights to Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” fantasy series. They plan to develop the sword swinging epic into a miniseries for television.
Goodkind has already turned down several offers to make his books into a feature film, but Raimi’s idea for a miniseries struck a chord with him. Makes sense since he’s just released book ten in the franchise, and ten books might be a little hard to squeeze into one or two feature films.
Book ten is called “Phantom”, and it hit shelves just last week. An 11th is set for release in 2007. Book 9 sold has sold more than 235,00 copies. The series tells the story of a guy named Richard Cypher, a young man with some riddles about his past to uncover. As he learns, he develops untold power. Each book is themed around a specific “Wizard’s Rule”, the tenants by which wizards must abide.
Production on “Wizard’s First Rule”, the first book in the series, begins early next year.
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I for one would love to see all of Terry Goodkinds novels turned into a mini-series. His novels are one of my favorite series and if there is any openings for parts in the series let me know.
Sam Raimi did a good job with the spiderman movies, even though I'm not a spidey fan, the fact that i enjoyed the movies says a lot about the ability and talent of the movie makers.
I can't wait to see what they do with this classic fantasy series.
I was very excited when I heard about this. A little uneasy as well, but excited nonetheless. I've read all the books and have been good friends with Terry over the past 5 years, so I know that he wouldn't let just anyone do what Raimi is doing. I trust his judgment. I cannot wait to see it and I hope it's put out on DVD as well. Many of us have been waiting for this time to come and some of us thought it never would. The world is in for quite a treat.
I agree, Terry Goodkind kinds Sword of Truth Series is an absolute awsome series that captivates you and insists that you read more, and you do. Some people are not so excited about this book because they think it will ruin the series but they dont seem to realize that even if the tv series is bad it wont damage what your imagination has already wrought from the books. To those who have never heard of Terry Goodkind I suggest that you dont listen to me or any others that the book is great (or to the odd few out there who think it is bad), I suggest that you just read it and judge for yourself and I think you'll be surprised just how much you like it.
The Sword of Truth series are the best books i have ever read and i will be devistated if the movies destroy Terry Goodkind's creation. But i wish Raimi the best of luck on bringing his imagination to life. I hope they are beyond awesome.
hey i have read all the current sword of truth books and am waiting on what is said to be the last. i think i mini seris would be awsome as long as it is done correctly.
Can't wait for this! I'm sure it will be great. Turning the books into a mini series was the smartest thing to do imo. Hopefully it will be something like 11 episodes, one for each book, with each episode being around 90 minutes. That WOULD be nice hehe, I want 1000 minutes of SOT to watch :)
I have read through the Sword of Truth series (all 10 books so far), about...oh...four times. I am a HUGE fan of this series. Wizard's First Rule was the book that taught me how to enjoy reading, and I have been reading like crazy since! I am very excited about this project to turn it into a miniseries, and I certainly trust Terry Goodkind to stay true to the spirit of the novel. I have no idea who in the world could portray all of the amazing characters from this book, and I may not be an accomplished actor, but if there is ever an opening for any role in this miniseries, I am more than willing to play any part in it. Best of luck to Terry and Sam!
I am a huge fan of the series. I'm currently on the ninth book. I started reading the series towards the end of September (it's now the beginning of Dec.) and have been reading one right after the other. My friend has got all of them, so I don't even have a break between reading. They are, by far, some of my favorite books I've ever read.
A miniseries would be a great idea, I hardly watch TV, but this would be worth watching with no doubt in my case!
i always imagened what it be like to have these books made in movies or tv series, and here its, i cant wait, i just love this series, by far my favourite i ever read, and i wish the best of luck to Raimi to bringing these books to life.
Oh my gosh!! I can't believe they are coming out with a mini series!! I love Mr. Terry's books!!! I read everyday in school and everybodys asking me "What are you reading" and I tell them you know I'm reading Naked Empire. And there like "What's that?" Im like well it's this book by Terry Goodkind that's really really good. It's a fantasy book and it's about these two people who are in the middle of a war fighting to save the world ya know. And their like"that sounds dumb" but i keep telling them it's really really good!! I'm sooo exicted and I can't wait!! I'm in high school but I act in a drama club!! I have always wanted to be a part of a miniseries, but not just any miniseries it ahs to be based on a book that i've read!! And ever since I read the first book me and my cousin talked about yall making a movie of it b/c that would be really really cool ya know!! And know yall are!! But I would really like to be a part of this miniseries!!! I would like to act in b/c you don't know how many people pick on me b/c i like to read fantasy books and i like to believe that it is true... to at least be a part of it in the miniseries would at least give me a chance to pretend to be someone im not and have fun doing it!! Just please my name is Samantha Dillon my address is [EDITED- Kids, don't put your personal info out there like this] you wanna mail me something or whatever!! I would really enjoy being apart of this and if not then I will love enjoying it when it comes out on television!!
When I heard about the miniseries coming out this past summer, it was one of the most exciting times of my life. I love this story. I have also read the entire series four times, over the years, and will probably read it again soon. I have gotten most of my friends that enjoy reading, and even some who don't to at least read WFR. Then I go to people's houses and I see them reading it. It is so exciting. Terry I want to thank you so much for writing this story and sharing it with the world.
wow. I mean really wow. these books are so fantastic. I think the idea for making a mini serie is even better then making movies of the books. I love these books so much because it just looks that i'm richard himself. The charateristics in the books are so alive and I would do everything to play in the serie. I just love it. could anywone tell me when there are auditions? :-) I hope they are serching for 18 year old charasteristics ;-).
i have been enjoying the hell out of this series since they were recommended to me by my girlfriend....i hope they release the mini series on hbo or showtime so the will be able to catch the rated r aspects of the book that add to its realistic storyline...i am excited.i love spidey and raimi for bringing his story to the big screen and am sure he will do a good job.
When I heard the news about Sam Raimi, one of my favorite producers, doing the SOT series as a TV series, I was soooo happy. I was hoping that they'd go to film at some point, the stories are absolutely great. I am currently reading Phantom, so I'm also eagerly awaiting Terry's last book. I hope that the TV series does the characters justice, as I can't really see any of the actors out there playing any of the parts, but I know Sam Raimi will pick the right cast. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I need to dig my books out of storage again, I think I'll re-read them when I finish Phantom, just to get the stories fresh in my mind again. :)
Oh god yesss, from the first time I read WFR I wished that they could make it into a miniseires not movies becase the books would lose so much. Personly I thing they are the best fantasy books ever writen most of them anyways. I just love the books, i don't get the people who say they only like afew of them, I agree that Pillars of creation shouldn't even be considered as one of them but hay anyone is entitle to a bad book right? And please if any one is listening form the moment I started reading the books I pictured David Boreanaz as Richard so please find a way if anyone is listing to get him to play this part, I know he is busy with bones, but please DAVID BOREANAZ as RICHARD one one can do it better, and mabye even get him Sera Mechille Geller as Khalan. The Best Books Ever Terry Rules, well except for Pillars Of creation.
ok i agree im a 14 year old and i read these books and love them all! i loved them so much my dad started stealing them off of me and reading them. he's caught up to me now but still how could he not when i read them when i read them in half a year and now im just waiting for the last one to come out anyways i would love to see the books come out on a mini series but even more if they came out in theatres! i wouldnt be allowed to see them though because they would probably be rated like triple R if there was such a rating because of all the...adult scenes in it.
Casting
In my opinion Tom Welling is the only option to play Richard. Furthermore, I'd like to see Jessica Alba as Kahlan. The chemistry between these two young actors would be great.
I'm absolutely thrilled with the idea of a miniserie. I have read and loved all the book of the serie. I cant wait to watch it! I hope Sam Raimi will manage to keep the spirit of the books.
I could easily see Tom Welling as Richard. As for Kahlan...I disagree with both options I saw here. No to Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jessica Alba. Maybe Jessica Biel...I'm still unsure...
These books are what started me dreaming and reading. When I was in fifth grade my big cousin was reading Wizard's first rule, so I wanted to read it too. But then I got into it and bought every book as it came out. I love this series and all the characters (especially gratch). I have read few books that I enfly as much as these and would be hard pressed to. As a TV series I just hope that it isn't ruined and completely off base like what happened with Eragon. Please don't ruin it, and don't use a bunch of famous people, just so that more people will watch it. (so annoying) I'll keep my hopes up...
Well its good thats a mini series and not a feature length movie. Would kill it, like they killed Eragon. Hopefully they dont tone it down or anything, like they did with Eragon. Leave all the blood and guts in please.
I can't beleive Sam Raimi is gonna be doing the sword of truth series! What a great idea to make it into miniseries! After seeing what he did with the Evil dead movies and the spiderman trilogy, I'm more than confident in the guy to be able to pull this off and please the fans of the book!! As much as I love what he's done, he better keep it as true to the book as he could. No remodifying any of the plots to shorten the lenght of the story, or softening the tone of the book. The darkness, the glory, the epic battles and just about the nature of the story better stay the same, or Sam will have his ass kicked by Terry Goodking himself, if not, I will myself!!! Please the fans, not Hollywood. PLEASE!!!! I beg of you, bring the book to life like no other books have ever done, and make it ROCK!!!
Sam Raimi is such a talented director, I believe Terry will want to have a say in the finished product also to help keep it closer to home, And where on earth are the castings? I'm sure he will only pick those already established for main roles, but I could def play a guard in the army for free just to be a part of it all ;)
I agree, we need more news on this! I can't freakin' wait!
And, just a thought: Michael Shanks as Richard. I know he seems kinda 'geeky' as Daniel on SG1 but he's actually pretty well built and tough looking, and he'd be perfect to portray Richards "Flippant" personality :)
I didn't know who Michale Shanks was, then I looked him up on the web and ya, he fits the bill to a "T". Physically he is exactly what I picture Richard looking like. Oh, and Tom Welling would be the younger version of Richard.
As far as I'm concerned people don't write enough in this forum! I'm a 25 yr old Aussie guy who started religiously reading WFR start of 2006. I never really read before that and since then I haven't had much of a life (yes I have, who am I kidding). Point is, after I finished Phantom I tried some other fantasy series, like The Magician series, A Song of Ice & Fire series, and some other fantasy book, but they just dont compare to the storyline, the depth of the characters, the detail of the fights, the strategy behind each battle, and the whole philosophy that goes into the SOT series. As I have just finished re-reading Chainfire and Phantom (literally 5 mins ago) I need more! I jumped straight onto the official website just to see if Terry has released the first chapter on his site like he did with Phantom. Unfortunately, I might have to wait till November to get any Confessor action.
As if I couldn't get all wrapped up in the SOT series anymore I found out earlier this year they were turning it into a TV mini-series!!
How f@%$n great!!! But like all fans who have seen their favourite books make the transition onto silver screen I have my doubts that it could really succeed. After all, what can beat the human imagination?
But after seeing some messages in here I agree that Sam could really have a good crack at it. With Terry by his side, probably dipping his hand heavily into the finished product, I don't consider he'll let Sam degrade the series for the fans in any way. From what I've seen Terry already turned down a number of big offers prior to Sam's agreement so obviously Terry believes in him and that the end result will be worth it. I don't think Terry will settle for second best.
I also agree with some of the last messages that there needs to be some more up to date news on the production of the series. What is Sam Raimi up to? I believe that he's finished with the Spiderman series - I'm not saying there won't be a fourth movie but I doubt it'll be directed by Sam - so has he started production? Even got a cast? Anything?
Of course, before the TV series was announced I thought it would have been a good idea to turn the SOT series into a cartoon or anime series. That way nothing could really be left out or not done. Anyone else feel the same? But I always pictured the characters as actors in my head while reading the series (I think we all did), and it's good to see some ideas out there.
I always pictured Richard to be Hugh Jackman (someone mature with action packed, and maybe because he's Aussie :) but maybe he's too old to play him. I had no idea about some of the other mentions in here like David Boreanaz, Tom Welling, Michael Shanks and Daniel Cudmore (Colossus from X-men). But after Googling them they were familiar faces and all who would physically portray Richard well. I think Tom is too young looking, David would be good but he's too well known only as Angel and Daniel, I'm not sure. But Michael Shanks would suit him pretty well I think, definately physically - maybe with a bit more muscle - but I never got into SG1 so i'm not sure how his acting is.
As for Kahlan, Jessica Alba and Sarah Michelle Gellar should not be considered. The girl needs to be able to fight and make the audience truly believe they can really fight a dirty battle. I'm not sure who could play her, but I liked Jessica Beil, she might be good at it. I think Kahlan will be the hardest to match. As for Zedd Christopher Lloyd is a pretty obvious choice but I don't think he'd be best. Just because he has the white dissaray hair doesn't mean he'd be best suited for Zedd considering what they can do with make-up and the like. But then again, he does have the quirky humour in him. I think Nicci and the Mord-Sith will definately be something to look forward to to see who gets those roles.
Anyways, I think I've rambled enough here and seeing as the average turnaround of messages in here is about 5 or 6 days I hope I've given some people some worthwhile reading.
I look forward to the final book and I hope to hear some more news about the series production and well done to Terry Goodkind. What will he do next? Will Richard be killed off?
I hope he does a good job because I worship the SOT series and I'd hate to see it ruined. I have always imagined it becoming a television series though when I first got into reading it. Definitely not a movie because movies have a way of leaving out important pieces of the story. Anyways, I can only trust that Goodkind's faith in Sam Raimi is not a big mistake and I am eager to see how it all turns out!
This is amazing news and I just can't wait for the TV series to come out. I've been reading the series for the past 6 years and each book has me hooked. I trust Sam Raimi as he always attacks the movies with the audience in mind, though I hope that the TV bod's don't do the dirty on the series (like they did with 'Firefly' and 'The Dresden Files') and cancel it mid series - Please trust the audience!
I also hope that one day someone will take on the Drenai books by David Gemmell - He is regarded as THE Greatest Heroic Fantasy writer ever. With the success of '300' the thought of seeing Druss the Legend or Waylander on the big silver screen brings shivers to my spine. Come on Hollywood, don't be afraid to Dance with Death!
Well, I can't really call myself a HUGE fan, I'm only 5'10". Lol. But nonetheless I've enjoyed the books like the many, many other fans. I think it is super awesome the that series will be on television. It somewhat saddens me, our view of the New and Old World will be warped, I mean we all see the world differently, I just hope Terry gives his all into the tv series. Also, I beleive that the cast should have a new and never before seen cast. I'm tired of the same faces, and let's face it, it can't really help the production if the fans have preconceived notions of the cast.
Richard: I don't think that guy from X-2, X-3 ( Daniel Cudmore ) would work he is 6'8". Don't sacrifice size for maneuverability.
Kalahn: Once again Natalie Portman is 5'3" Richard and Kalahn are not 17" different in height. They should compliment each other, not one tower over the other, what is he going to pick her up to kiss her ??
Zedd: Ian Mckellen would work better, he already has a wizard notch under his belt, 5'11", skinny guy.
Still don't use any of these in my opinion, new fresh faces will suffice, fans even better.
Yeah i agree on Richard being played by Tom Welling, other then me of course i mean if you wanted to do it right you might as well pick me ha, but no in all seriousness where the ish is the news on when they gonna bring this beast to the screen? Its been like over a year since spider-man 3 wich blew fat king kong balls in my opinion, story wise. But thats just one mans opinion, anyhow someone attach a link or something when you hear anything new
can hardly wait - have thought for years it could & should be done - obviously there is too much content for a film or even a series of films to do it justice - I just hope that once begun the project will continue right through to the last book.
This sounds great! Last november (2007) one of my buddies was reading Blood of the Fold in class. I asked him what the book was and if it was good, and he told me that it was the third of a series and some of the best books he'd ever read. I askedhim about it and a bit of the story, but he wouldn't tell me anything, saying that if I were to read it it would ruin some of the story. SO, curious as I am, I read WFR and got hooked after 50 pages. I have finished Confessor around the end of January (2008). I read them all one right after the other, and jsut couldn't stop. I also recommended it to others, and they all got hooked as well. I have recently been told that a TV series will be made, and man that got me excited. For months i checked for updates, but never found nothing. until today. FINALLY SOME INFO! I can't believe its so soon! already starting the filming in May? right on! And Im glad its going to start with a 22 episode series. Thats more then I hoped for WFR. lets just hope the ones after wil either be mini series (for shorter books) or a 2-movie series, but at least lenghty shows. I would hate to watch it and always telling myself "Dam that wasnt suppose to happen!". Something like Eragon would get me mad. that movie was such a blow, really took the story away...
Also, I would agree seeing Michael Shanks as Richard. I followed SG1 for quite some time and really enjoyed the series, and he is a very good actor and very close to how I pictured Richard. He also has that flippant personnality, and the extended speeches on "why and how things happen" so he could fill the role properly. Yea he's geeky and all with his glasses in SG1, and he's a little older, but with what they can do with makeup, he is quite a good match.
One last thing, I think its going to be hard for them to produce this with the gore that is pictured in the books... Something like the scene in Temple of the Winds where it gets really dark might want to be leftout, but the war scenes and the slaughter is a brutal but important part of the story... and its also really cool. I kinda want to see Richard pull out some scrazy Sh!T with the SOT and slice a hundred guys open in 2 minutes.. :D
I must say im quite excited for this. lets hope im not expecting too much, and i won't get disapointed. I can guarentee ill be watching every episode very religiously and ill get my parents to come in as well
I have read some of the suggestions for who they see as richard, but I think people are forgetting that he has a "raptors" gaze, steely grey/blue eyes and a presence (see cover of "Stone of Tears"). The person would have to be very imposing not only in his look but also in how he carries himself.
I think the guy who played Leonides on 300 would be someone who could carry off the role pretty well.
As for Khalan, here we are talking about someone who is considered more regal than a queen, who has the weight of the world on her shoulders and who has this keen intelligence as well as a quiet beauty. Someone like Natalie Portman or Jessica Alba wouldn't be right for the role, they dont have that quiet kind of beauty (one is too innocent and "girly" the other too strikingly beautiful IMHO).
I always considered someone like Linda Hamilton as having that level of subtle strength and beauty, while still carrying herself extremely well. There is still a hint of innocence, but she has that look of being somehow haunted (never to know the touch of a man, having to accept who and what she is etc).
I seriously hope that do it justice. There is a purpose behind Terry's books, and underlying "truth about life" that he seeks to invest into every book through the wizard's rules. I hope this carries over into the series and that the wonderful characterizations and interactions come to life on the screen.
i'm a big SOT fan, read the series like 4 times now. The feeling you get when you read the book makes you feel as if you are there, and you just cant refuse to keep turning the page after page!
I cant wait this will be awesome i love sams work on the spider man series and i cant wait to see what he does with SOT while i have yet to read all of the books i am very intrigued by his captivating style of writing ive heard bad things about the series but you know what they say if you cant say anything good then dont say anything at all hahaha like i said I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey This is awsome i just started reading the books i am now reading the 3 one i think they shoudl make it into a movie but yah that would take a while so when Raimi makin the tv series get back to me at nicholas_mackinnon_4@hotmail.com
I'm really looking forward to the series. It will be awesome as long as the acting is good with no amature actors and they don't destroy the feeling of the story line, it will be an amazing hit. I finished reading all the books a month ago and am still looking for the next good read. Haven't found it yet but I'm hoping Terry isn't the only good writer out there. Can't wait for the series!! I hope they market well so as to not be the best kept secret of television.
First, let me apologize if my english is incorrect, because i`m only 13 and it isn`t my mother language.
These are my favorite books, by far. I started by listening to them in audiobooks, and foud myself unable to sleep, listening in my bed to chapter after chapter, captivated by the magic in these wonderful books. Why, I`m listening to the Blood Of The Fold right now :)
I`ve tried to find a series of books that matched them, but failed. I`ve read many Dragonlance, Doomspell, Wizard Of Earthsea, Eragon, books, and others. Never have I been able to find something like the Sword Of Truth. Well, maybe the series of the Belgarath books, wich I suggest you read them, and re-read them. But even so, Richard's adventures stand at the top of my favourites. I'm fervently waiting to see the TV series, and hope they don't diminish the greatnes of the books.
Again, forgive me for any incorrect spelling or other errors.
The Sword of Truth series is the best set of books I've ever read. Though, I'm getting a little frustrated. I can't seem to find exactly when this series is airing on TV. Also, there have been no commercials or trailers. From what I have found, it starts sometime this season...but as to exactly when and on which channel I'm at a loss.
Fans of The Sword of truth series should AVOID the "Legend of the Seeker" at ALL costs, it is a bastardization of a great series of books, dragging it down to the level of Zena warrior princess.
I weep for what has become of a excellent franchise.
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August 1st, 2006 at 09:17
I for one would love to see all of Terry Goodkinds novels turned into a mini-series. His novels are one of my favorite series and if there is any openings for parts in the series let me know.
Sam Raimi did a good job with the spiderman movies, even though I'm not a spidey fan, the fact that i enjoyed the movies says a lot about the ability and talent of the movie makers.
I can't wait to see what they do with this classic fantasy series.