Temeraire to get the Peter Jackson treatment

By Sarah on September 12, 2006 10:14 AM

Naomi Novik‘s fantasy trilogy featuring the dragon Temeraire has been winning droves of fans since the first installment, HER MAJESTY’S DRAGON, was released this spring (with two more, THRONE OF JADE and BLACK POWDER WAR, following in quick succession.) But one particular fan, Peter Jackson, has taken it upon himself by dipping into his discretionary fund to option the books for the big screen. ‘Temeraire’ is a terrific meld of two genres that I particularly love — fantasy and historical epic,” Jackson said to the Hollywood Reporter. “I can’t wait to see Napoleonic battles fought with a squadron of dragons. That’s what I go to the movies for.” Jackson also is looking to take the books into the realm of interactive entertainment.

Jackson got involved when producer Lucas Foster read galleys in January and sent them to Jackson’s manger, Ken Kamins at Key Creatives. When Jackson read it, he was hooked. “As I was reading these books, I could see them coming to life in my mind’s eye,” Jackson said. “These are beautifully written novels, not only fresh, original and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart.”

When Novik learned what was potentially in the works, she remained skeptical. “I was warned that whatever happens in Hollywood, you should assume it’s 10 degrees below reality,” Novik said. “So if they say Peter Jackson has it, it really means Peter Jackson’s assistant’s personal trainer has it. I never took it seriously until (IPG’s Justin Manask) called myself and (literary agent Cynthia Manson) and said, ‘Peter wants the book.’ There was lot of screaming in my household when I first got the call.”