Narrativia, the production company launched by Sir Terry Pratchett, is looking to move the Discworld universe onto television after striking a development deal with the USA’s Endeavor Content and UK-based producer Motive Pictures. Endeavor and Motive Pictures will have an “exclusive” relationship going forward to create “truly authentic and absolutely faithful” Discworld screen adaptations.

Pratchett’s Discworld books have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. Discworld is a flat planet balanced on the back of four elephants, which are themselves atop a giant turtle. The first book, The Colour of Magic, appeared in 1983, and the final book in the series, The Shepherd’s Crown, was published in 2015, following Pratchett’s death.

Launched in 2012, Pratchett’s Narrativia, headed by managing director Rob Wilkins and co-director Rhianna Pratchett, owns and controls the exclusive multimedia and merchandising rights to all of the author’s works. Last year, Narrativia saw the release of Good Omens with Amazon Studios and BBC Studios, based on the internationally bestselling novel by Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

Motive Pictures’ Simon Maxwell and Sam Lavender will executive-produce the series, while Endeavor Content is handling the worldwide sales.

UK-based production company Motive Pictures was launched in 2019 by CEO Maxwell, the former head of International Drama at Channel 4. Lavender was previously senior commissioning executive at Film4, where his credits included The Favourite [+lire aussi :
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Rhianna Pratchett said, “Discworld is teeming with unique characters, witty narrative and incredible literary tropes, and we feel these should be realised on screen in a form that my father would be proud of.”

Maxwell, CEO of Motive Pictures, added, “Discworld is a national treasure, and we are thrilled to be forging this new partnership with Narrativia and Endeavor Content. Together, we will produce shows that will be loved by millions of Discworld fans worldwide, whilst also opening up Sir Terry Pratchett’s epic creations and legacy to new audiences.”

Lorenzo De Maio, head of TV Advisory for Endeavor Content, said, “Discworld is a masterpiece of storytelling, and we look forward to working with our partners to bring it to audiences worldwide.”