Movies

Hollywood’s Next Big Hit: Why Red Rising Deserves Its Time in the Spotlight!

BBG News

The Amazon series, “Wheel of Time,” was truly hitting its stride during its third season, only to be canceled. This is another example of a popular fantasy adaptation that ended prematurely. This news isn’t just disappointing for fans; it creates a significant void in the genre that streaming studios have yet to effectively fill. For every successful series like “House of the Dragon,” there seems to be a “Willow,” a “Shadow and Bone,” or “The Sandman,” teetering on the edge of cancellation. Hollywood continues its search for the next major franchise, but keeps dropping the ball in the process.

For quite some time now, a captivating tale has been biding its time to ascend to the throne. The novel “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown stands out as an enthralling sci-fi fantasy epic, boasting the intrigue of “Game of Thrones” and the vast expanse of “Star Wars.” With a compelling narrative, a dedicated fanbase, and the emotional resonance to grip the hearts of many, it seems almost unjust that this masterpiece has yet to be brought to life on screen.

Why Streaming Keeps Failing Fantasy

In the time after “Game of Thrones,” high-cost fantasy series have found it difficult to thrive unless they are based on well-known intellectual properties. HBO boasts “House of the Dragon” and an upcoming show called “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” while Amazon offers “The Rings of Power” and “Fallout.

Most of these productions, such as Shadow and Bone, Halo, and The Shannara Chronicles, had a shaky beginning with less-than-stellar quality, and unfortunately, didn’t manage to complete their run. These shows often struggle to find their rhythm initially, but studios rarely afford them the time to do so. It’s worth noting that these productions, like Fallout, typically require a significant amount of time for creation.

The aspect that’s consistently remained popular? People continue to crave fantastical narratives. You won’t have to look far to see this, as shows like “The Last of Us” and “Fallout” transformed harsh post-apocalyptic video games into some of the most-watched television programs. Interestingly, game adaptations are now being treated with more depth—the acclaimed “Elden Ring” is even set to receive the A24 treatment. However, book adaptations don’t always garner the same level of respect.

Red Rising Has Always Been The Answer

Red Rising is an exceptional franchise that has it all, boasting a six-book series, including the upcoming seventh book titled Red God. The storyline is neatly divided into two distinct arcs. The initial trilogy revolves around Darrow, a Helldiver from a lower caste who infiltrates the ruling class of genetically enhanced elites following the execution of his wife by the state. The first book in the series is compact, brutal, and unwaveringly focused. It combines elements of The Hunger Games, with its political intrigue, and Ender’s Game, with its strategic depth, all within a science fiction setting on Mars.

However, that’s merely the start. Each book in the series progressively broadens its horizon without compromising its pace. “Golden Son” and “Morning Star” subject Darrow to harrowing depths, filled with betrayals, emotional turmoil, and cruel antagonists. Within no time after the initial installment, the narrative delves deeply into grim, mature territories.

In the following installments of the saga, the narrative leaps ahead to address the aftermath. The uprising was victorious, yet true peace remained elusive. Now, a new generation encounters the repercussions, and the tale unfolds into an expansive, multi-character space epic that skillfully interweaves politics, emotional turmoil, and legacy – surpassing the entire Star Wars sequel trilogy in this regard.

Pierce Brown Writes Action Built for the Screen

Beyond everything else, I must say that Pierce Brown’s action scenes are some of the most exceptional I’ve encountered, penned down with a masterful touch. From the heart-stopping descent of soldiers in an Iron Rain to the exhilarating space battles that leave you breathless, the grandeur is always overwhelmingly immense.

What really sets it apart is the level of detail. His one-on-one battles are intense, strategic, and emotionally draining. They’re not just exciting; they’re painful to watch. Brown has a unique talent for describing action on the page with such precision and clarity that it feels like you’re experiencing it firsthand.

Why It Hasn’t Happened Yet

Author Pierce Brown has been attempting to transform “Red Rising” into a different medium ever since it gained popularity. Initially, discussions revolved around a movie series, but those plans eventually stalled. More recently, in an interview with Maude Garrett, Brown revealed that the rights are now being considered for a television adaptation. It’s not surprising to hear that the estimated cost of “$200 million” for such a show means all the stars need to be perfectly aligned for it to come together.

It seems more appropriate now to transition the series into a live-action format. The narrative has become so expansive and intricate that it exceeds the limitations of a movie franchise. The subsequent novels themselves are challenging to adapt into screenplays of reasonable length without compromising the complex, mature undertones.

Red Rising is an extensive sci-fi war story involving multiple perspectives, significant political consequences, and numerous crucial characters. To execute it effectively would require a dedicated long-term effort, a studio prepared to fund several years of production, and a creative team skilled enough to adapt such a large series without becoming overwhelmed or compromising quality.

Instead, studios ought to seize this very type of challenge, as the audience’s interest is already evident. Shows like “Dune”, “The Last of Us”, and “Fallout” have demonstrated that grand, character-focused genre narratives can indeed rule the roost.

What a Red Rising Adaptation Should Look Like

The plan has been set: Begin with the captivating “Red Rising” serving as a compact and autonomous initial season. The fierce Battle School arc will be grueling yet relatable enough to draw in a broad audience.

Following this point, “Golden Son” and “Morning Star” escalate the conflict to full-blown rebellion, thereby establishing a distinct three-act structure for the initial trilogy. As you progress into “Iron Gold”, the series could transform into a complex multi-character drama, with a tonal adjustment that reflects the shift in the source material.

It would be ideal to hire young, relatively inexperienced actors for this series, as they can develop alongside their characters and the story. Streaming platforms seem most suitable for its release, as the constraints of traditional two-hour theatrical releases no longer apply to this epic sci-fi story. Instead, it should build anticipation each week, encourage discussions, and allow room for a more immersive viewing experience.

If Amazon hadn’t canceled “Wheel of Time,” it could have been a fitting choice. However, with its cancellation, Paramount+ emerges as a potential surprise contender. Regardless of opinions on “Halo” or the current “Star Trek” series, they certainly look impressive. Given that “Red Riding Hood’s” universe demands an expensive aesthetic, Paramount+ seems to be the platform where such production can thrive. Apple TV+ also has a history of handling science fiction content.

Give Red Rising Its Moment

Wheel of Time deserved more recognition. Similar to numerous fantasy series preceding it, it found its direction, unfortunately arriving at the point of cancellation. On the other hand, Red Rising has the opportunity to dodge a similar destiny. It’s a tale that commences powerfully and progressively improves. The stories are already crafted. The plotlines are designed. The audience is eager. All it requires is a studio that’s prepared to have faith in it.

Read More

2025-05-26 22:34

Previous post Top Gun 3 Update: Tom Cruise Fans Are Going Crazy Over Exciting News!
Next post Unlock the Wisdom: 30 Epic Quotes from Elden Ring You Can’t Miss!