After co-writing bothThe Lord of the RingsandThe Hobbittrilogies, screenwriterPhilippa Boyensis returning to the fantasy realm, signing on to write the adapted screenplay forThe Merlin Saga. The project, based onT.A. Barron’s novel, was first set up at Warner Bros. but then moved to Disney, where it is currently housed. This project marks the first timePhilippa Boyenshas struck out on her own, having collaborated withPeter JacksonandFran Walshon all of her projects thus far, including bothMiddle Earthtrilogies along withKing KongandThe Lovely Bones.
The Merlin Sagais based on a series of novels byT.A. Barron, starting withThe Lost Years of Merlinin 1996. It was followed byThe Seven Songs(1997),The Raging Fires(1998),The Mirror of Fate(1999),A Wizard’s Wings(2000),The Great Tree of Avalon(2004),Shadows on the Stars(2005),The Eternal Flame(2006),The Dragon of Avalon(2008),Doomraga’s Revenge(2009),Ultimate Magic(2010) andThe Book of Magic Illustrated Treasury(2011).The Lost Years of Merlincenters on a boy who washes ashore in ancient Wales, with no recollection of who he is, as he becomes determined to learn the truth about his magical powers.
Patrick Massett (Thunderheart) and John Zinman (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) were first attached to write thescriptwhen the project was at Warner Bros. It isn’t known ifPhilippa Boyensis starting over completely from scratch, or if she will incorporate any of their work from the original draft. It isn’t known if there are plans in place to adapt the rest ofT.A. Barron’s novel series as well, but Merlin’sorigin storyis just a part of a much larger story that unfolds in thebooks. Here’s what authorT.A. Barronhad to say aboutPhilippa Boyenscoming aboard in a statement from hisofficial website.
“I’m absolutely thrilled thatPhilippa Boyenshas joined the Merlin movie project! She is truly world class. As a creator of powerful epic fantasy on the big screen, there is nobody with more wisdom, artistry, authenticity, and (I’m delighted to say) pure magic!”
Warner Bros. also has the mystical adventureKnights of the Round Tablehitting theaters next summer, which starsCharlie HunnamasKing Arthur. Merlin eventually grows up to become Arthur’s mentor, but since this adventure follows a much younger Merlin, it seems unlikely that we’ll see King Arthur in this adventure. What do you think aboutPhilippa Boyenssigning on to writeThe Merlin Saga? While we wait for more details, take a look at a video interview withT.A. Barronfrom 2010, where he sheds new light on his story.
