Dear Readers,
A quick few words about the Shannara TV show.
First, everything is coming along fine. The initial scripts for the episodes are all written and in final drafting, pending last minute changes. All are looking great, the presentations and language and storylines strong and interesting. There have been some changes, but I don’t think any of them will disturb you all that much.
Casting is underway, and I think you are going to be happy with the choices that were made. Everyone feels good about the young actors we have playing Wil and Amberle, and I think the rest of the cast is rounding into shape, as well. There will still be a few surprises ahead, so stay tuned.
The sets are being constructed, and the concept art looks pretty solid. I will be traveling over to New Zealand in February to be on set and meet everyone personally and thank them for their hard work and dedication to this effort. No, I have not been tapped for a bit part. They don’t need any old Elves.
One word of caution to you: There are going to be claims and rumors along the way that are not entirely or even a little true. Beware of getting all incensed about stuff you hear or read. Remember this is Hollywood. Today’s breaking news is tomorrow’s trash. Or is it the other way around? Anyway, some of what I have read online about the show and its storyline and the way the characters are portrayed is just not so. Some of it is way overstated. So don’t get your underwear in a bundle until you’ve checked in with us, and even then you might have to wait for the show to air to be sure.
I do my best on your behalf, and mostly I am able to keep everyone’s feet to the fire. I won’t succeed one hundred percent of the time, but I will always be trying for it.
A real Christmas/New Year’s missive will follow in a few weeks.
Happy Holidays, Terry
57 responses to “BrooksBlog: A New SHANNARA Update”
Anyway a lucky reader could get a part in the show? (me, me, me)
Get in line, Tim! Ha! 😉
I would cut off part of my ear right now to play Stee Jans
Cant wait.
Why? Is the character Stee Jans missing the right ear?
You must be a perfect method actor!
I don’t think Stee Jans is missing an ear (I’ll have to go back and double check…), but you could always just cut off your hand and play Walker. If I thought my acting were good enough to get me the part, I’d happily do so.
Walker lost his arm, not just the hand, LOL
Do we have a timetable for when it will be on TV?
Not yet. That will announced in 2015. Stay tuned!
I’m very pleased they’ll be filming in New Zealand! The backdrops will be fantastic!
This is great news, I just recently heardthat the Shannara sereies is coming to TV.I cannot wait to be immersed in this world again. Thank you Terry Brooks, and happy holidays to you and the cast and crew.
Terry, I’m so excited for you, and I cannot wait for the series to air! Don’t let the neighing naysayers sway you from the magnificent movement forward. You deserve some fun in your success.
I’ve always thought that Gerard Butler would make an awesome Allanon.
I wish we could get Gerard Butler. A big name like that who has the acting chops and glowering facial features of Allanon would work. He’s not tall enough but I’m less concerned about height and more concerned about the actor bringing darkness, brooding and the always-present threat of physical asskicking. haha
I always thought Liam Neeson would be an awesome Allanon….I would kick in more than a few bucks to see that!…LOL
I’ll do it! I’m 6’5″! I may be too young though (34) and my hair is brown, not black. But I can definitely do dark and brooding! My band mates call me “darkness”!
I think Liam Neeson would make a great Allanon
Terrific updates! Glad everything is going as planned.
I trust you Terry because all came from your heart and head so all will be well.
So excited to see how this all comes together! Maybe a special showing in Seattle will happen? Impatiently waiting!
was hoping for shooting in Vancouver but I’ve wanted to visit nz anyway because of the split enz (the 70’s new wave band) hopefully you can keep shady vale like Pete got to keep Hobbiton that would be ultra cool, just don’t get any emigrating ideas the USA needs you and Judine here.
Jonathan Frakes from star trek next generation or Rory McCann from game of thrones. Tall and have done fantasy roles. Brlliant actors
Is the plan still to make each book into one season of the show, or are they planning to take multiple years to carry out each book?
The Elfstones of Shannara will be told in its entirety in the Season 1’s 10 episodes. After that? Who knows which direction Season 2 will go. The creators could decide to go backward. Or really far forward. This all depends if the first season is a hit, of course, so I am depending on you guys to spread the word as the first episode approaches!
I’m really concerned about the idea of wrapping up Elfstones in 1 season. To go to another book would then involve almost an entirely new cast. That’s a risky move after 1 season. Could do it like American Horror Story, I suppose, and recast the actors from season 1 into new roles for the next season. I don’t know. Just seems like fans of the show who haven’t read the books will be upset if they see their characters not coming back. Has this been addressed with the production company?
Yes.
considering that a lot of the main characters are related, I don’t see why with a little make up magic that they couldn’t keep some of the same actors for roles of the ancestors, I think that some of them would enjoy the challenge of playing a different character each season
if you think about it, you have the Ohmsfords,Creels,Shannara and Leah family lines just to name a few
Can you tell us anything about the Dagda Mor? It was my favorite part of Elfstones.
I’m so happy that Shannara will be filmed here in New Zealand. As least then we have a chance it might be aired here as well and thats one show that I don’t want to miss.
Where in Nz and how does one get to be an extra? Must do some research!!! 🙂
Way to go Terry! Looks like everything is coming together and moving forward. I’m sure it is a great feeling to be this far along knowing the path it took to get here. A fan of yours and Shannara for a long time and am enjoying your updates and hearing the casting news.
Can’t wait for this. You have always been such an inspiration, and your books rock. I could not possibly look forward to this series more.
Maybe not an ‘old elf’, but perhaps Terry could pull a Peter Jackson & appear for a split second – maybe as a belching, drunk extra. lol
Do we know anything about how long an episode will be? 1 hour?
I believe an hour.
The Sword of Shannara is the first fantasy book I ever read. I bought it at a library discard sale. =) I’ve read the whole series mulitple times and have a copy of anything you’ve ever written. So, I’m really excited to see this epic saga brought to life on the screen! All the best!
What kind of budget are we talking about? Will be interesting to see Shannara’s vs Game of Thrones. Could say a lot.
I’m sure the numbers will be released next year some time.
I’m so excited about the TV series! I’ve hoped since I first read The Sword of Shannara that it would make it to the screen. At first I thought it would make a great film, but I’m happy that it’ll be a series instead as there will be fewer restraints. I really can’t wait to see it! 🙂
Would love to see a quality TV or movie adaptation of the Word/Void and Genesis trilogies.
I think Ron Perlman would be a perfect Allanon, and we know he does T.V
Seconded on Perlman.
Does anyone know what network the show will be airing on?
MTV.
Hi I’m a NZ actor with a reputable agent. How do I go about getting an audition? Is there a NZ casting director or will you only cast extra parts in NZ?
Better have your reputable agent check into it. They will know how. Cheers!
So far they don’t. That’s why I was wondering if they are only casting the small parts out of NZ. Do you know when NZ casting will begin?
Not sure what you mean by “NZ” casting? The actor playing Ander is New Zealand or Australia, I believe.
It’ll be interesting to see what other characters from the book get rewritten with new personalities, so that we can laugh knowingly at them.
I’m going to guess that Wil having tried to hide his ears all his life is among the overstated things.
Not sure. All I know is, if that’s true, it makes sense. Undoubtedly, some people don’t like half breeds, especially in the South where the Federation began.
Gerard Butler could play anyone, brilliant actor.
The elfstones of Shannara is my favorite stand alone book hopefully the series is a success I would love to see the Isle Witch made into a TV series or movie
Fantastic & congratulations Mr. Brooks! I’m excited to see this series & hope that the editors and producers do your work credit.
cant wait for the first episode but will eagerly await all, especially “wishsong” lol,I named my firstborn Garet not just because the character was so interesting but I liked the name, the book just sealed the deal for my name choice
on a side note, I do read a lot, my second son I named “Shade” from Richard A. Knakk’s “DragonRealm” series luckily for me(and him) it has been well received
(be careful what you name your children, they may not thank you)
Awesome! I live in New Zealand and pictured it whilst i was devouring Terry’s books. So excited, ever since my mother gave me the books to read i have been in love.