The Song of Ice and Fire series from GRRM currently sits atop the world of science fiction fantasy literature. But before the book series received a boost from the critically acclaimed HBO adaptation, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series was its chief rival. Fantasy enthusiasts around the globe hotly debated which author's life work was the better fictional work. But that was many years ago and Game of Thrones has gone on to unprecedented success in both literature and television. Well, it looks as if the rivalry might be getting renewed in a whole new medium according to the latest update from Jordan's widow, and editor Harriet McDougal.
" Wanted to share with you exciting news about The Wheel of Time. Legal issues have been resolved. The Wheel of Time will become a cutting edge TV series! I couldn’t be more pleased. Look for the official announcement coming soon from a major studio —Harriet."
Last year, Red Eagle Entertainment tried to hang on to TV rights to the Wheel of Time series by airing a hastily thrown together pilot/TV movie (that starred Billy Zane), titled "Winter's Dragon" that aired on FXX at 1:30 AM. However, it looks as if the rights have reverted or a settlement has been reached. Last July, it was rumored that Harriet was meeting with Sony to work out the finer points of a TV deal.
The Wheel of Time is a high fantasy science fiction series which began in 1990. The twelfth and final volume was released in 2013. Jordan passed away in 2007 and Brandon Sanderson was hired by Harriet to complete the final volume. However, it was decided that the final volume was too large to be released as a single book and was subsequently split into three volumes which were released in 2009, 2010 and 2013. Jordan was aware of his illness and left extensive notes for how he wanted the series to end. As of 2015, the fantasy series has sold 80 million copies worldwide.