UPCOMING FANTASY MOVIES NOW IN DEVELOPMENT

Golden Compass may have tanked big-time at the box office, but fantasy is still the next best thing in Hollywood. So expect all these fantasy properties listed here to be fast-tracked once Prince Caspian turns out to be a big hit . . .

THE ALCHEMIST
The story centers on a young Spaniard who embarks on a quest to find a hidden treasure within the Egyptian pyramids. Since its debut in 1988, this adventure novel by Paulo Coelho has sold more than 40 million copies in over 150 countries which makes it a given that it would be given the big screen treatment by Hollywood.
Who’s involved? Actor Laurence Fishburne will write and direct.
Due: 2009

ELRIC
Elric is based on a series of books by Michael Moorcock. The character of Elric of Melnibone, aka The White Wolf, first appeared in 1961. He was the subject of more than a dozen books, but this will be the first time that the character has been brought to the big screen.
Who’s involved? Chris Weitz, the director of Golden Compass. Weitz told Empire Online, “Of the great classic fantasy series it's the one that hasn't been done yet. My brother Paul and I liked those books growing up and we've met Michael Moorcock and he trusts us to take those books forward.” One has to wonder though whether anyone will trust Weitz with loads of money to make a major fantasy movie now that Golden Compass tanked at the box office – so don’t expect to see this one gracing the screens at your local multiplex soon.
Due: TBA

WARCRAFT
An epic fantasy/adventure based on the popular video game series. According to a user at IMDb.com: “Thrall will be in the movie. It will be told primarily from the Alliance point of view. The time of the movie is set about one year before World of Warcraft begins. The film is mainly about cultures in conflict. It won't be an adventure movie like LoTR, more of a war film . . .”
Who’s involved? They’re still looking for a director. Maybe they should get Uwe Boll . . . just kidding!
Due: 2009

HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS
This book, released in 2006, focuses on three strangers - John, Jack and Charles - in London during World War I; they become entrusted with the Imaginarium Geographica, an atlas of all the lands that have ever existed in myth and legend, fable and fairy tale. The Hollywood Reporter adds they end up traveling to the Archipelago of Dreams, fighting the dark forces that threaten two worlds. It is later revealed that the three are future fantasy authors J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, who met in real life at Oxford and enjoyed a competitive friendship.
Who’s involved? Warner Bros. Pictures has picked up the rights to the novel; David Heyman and David Goyer will serve as producers on the film.
Due: TBA

THE ELFSTONES OF SHANNARA
Based on Terry Brooks’ bestselling fantasy series The Shannara is set some thousand years in the future, when elves, gnomes, and dwarfs rule the planet. The Shannara family is a half-elf, half-man group of nomads with special powers. They are called upon to save the world. Brooks' books are the second best selling fantasy series after Harry Potter. Rumor has it that the author was trying to avoid a big screen adaptation, but producers finally wore him down. The first film will be The Elfstones of Shannara.
Who’s involved? Warner Bros. who’s filming the Harry Potter books bought the rights. Mike Newell who directed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Four Weddings and a Funeral is set to direct. This one looks like its definitely going to happen. Word has it that another book in the series, The Sword of Shannara is already set for a 2010 release.
Due: 2009

THE DARK TOWER
Stephen King’s seven-book Dark tower series blends fantasy, sci-fi, horror and Western genre elements.
Who’s involved? Stephen King and Lost producer J.J. Abrams are planning on adapting King's Dark Tower book series for either a TV miniseries or film.
Due: TBA

THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS
John Connolly's novel The Book of Lost Things revolves around a young English boy who is dealing with the loss of his birth mother while adjusting to a new step mom. He soon discovers a portal in his bedroom that opens up to a land of horrible beasts and monsters. The boy gets stuck there, and must battle his way back to civilization.
Who’s involved? The Omen remake director John Moore has bought the rights for the book and plans to shoot it himself.
Due: 2009

THE ALCHEMYST: SECRETS OF THE IMMORTAL NICHOLAS FLAMEL
Not to be confused with The Alchemist, this movie will be based on Michael Scott's 2007 young-adult fantasy book series The Immortal Nicholas Flamel. The story revolves around a pair of teenage fraternal twins who find themselves caught up in an age-old battle between good and evil as they race across America learning the ancient ways of magic. Along the way they are hunted by creatures and beings from the mythologies of a dozen nations. Nicholas Flamel, a 600-year-old man who looks to be 50, serves as their teacher and guide.
Who’s involved? Eric Bress will write the screenplay for New Line Cinema. Bress created the TV series Kyle XY with frequent collaborator J. Mackye Gruber, is the co-writer and co-director of New Line's The Butterfly Effect and the co-writer of the studio's Final Destination.
Due: 2009