George R.R. Martin, the author behind HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” has sold another one of his projects to Hollywood.
SyFy Films, a theatrical division run under the auspices of NBC Universal, has purchased the movie rights to “Wild Cards,” a superhero anthology edited by Martin.
The anthology of 22 books dates back to 1987 and depicts a world in which an alien virus has been unleashed in New York, killing almost everyone put in contact with it.
Of the survivors, most have been rendered deformed while a few have gained superpowers.
This is the first acquisition for SyFy Films, which launched in December 2010.
“Wild Cards presents a terrific franchise opportunity given the volume of material from this compelling fantasy series,” Gregory Noveck, VP of Production at SyFy Film, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to develop a film based on the anthology’s supernatural heroes, and to be working with such talented and visionary writers as George R.R. Martin and Melissa Snodgrass.”
“Wild Cards” was created by a group of science fiction authors, but Martin took a leadership role in editing it and contributing. Melinda Snodgrass, who will write the script, has also been a contributor to the series, which is still producing new volumes thanks to the efforts of a bevy of writers.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the deal.
