Summary
- Netflix has scrapped plans to adapt
The Kane Chronicles
into a film series after two years of script development. - The future of the project now depends on whether another studio is willing to take on preproduction costs.
- Despite setbacks, Riordan’s work remains popular on screen, as seen in the success of
Percy Jackson
on Disney+.
Netflix has abandoned its intention to convert The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan into a series of three feature films. The announcement came directly from Riordan, the acclaimed author behind the beloved Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in response to a fan’s inquiry on Goodreads.
Per Variety, Riordan explained that The Kane Chronicles is now in “turnaround,” a term used in the entertainment industry to indicate that a project is no longer moving forward with its original studio or network. Despite two years of effort to develop a script for the adaptation, Netflix ultimately chose to abandon the project. The future of the adaptation now depends on whether another studio is willing to take on the preproduction costs and continue the project. Riordan explained:
“Right now, Kane Chronicles is in ‘turnaround,’ which means
Netflix has decided not to move forward and their option has lapsed after trying for two years to develop a script they liked
. Now it depends on whether another studio would like to step in, assume the preproduction costs, and move forward.”
The film trilogy was initially announced in 2020, with the first installment set to adapt The Red Pyramid, the first book in The Kane Chronicles series, which was released in 2010. The screenplay for the first film was being penned by Diandra Pendleton-Thompson, known for her work on Star Trek: Prodigy. Riordan had expressed optimism about the project in a 2022 blog post, stating that he was looking forward to a new draft of the script.
The Kane Chronicles: Is Netflix Still Adapting Rick Riordan’s Books?
It’s been a while since Rick Riordan fans have gotten an update on The Kane Chronicles film, but wouldn’t it work better as a TV series?
The Kane Chronicles follows the adventures of siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who discover they are descendants of two powerful Egyptian pharaohs, Narmer and Ramses the Great. The Red Pyramid, The Throne of Fire, and The Serpent’s Shadow make up the series that has become popular among young readers for its fusion of action-filled tales and ancient Egyptian mythology. The characters from The Kane Chronicles have also crossed paths with those from the Percy Jackson universe in a series of crossover novels titled Demigods and Magicians.
Rick Riordan’s Adaptations Face Mixed Fortunes Amid Streaming Industry Shifts
The decision to scrap the adaptation comes amid a broader trend in the streaming industry, where platforms are tightening their belts and reducing their development slates. This implies that a higher number of projects are being discontinued, and fewer are being approved for development. Riordan acknowledged this trend on Goodreads, noting that the cancellation of The Kane Chronicles films is not unusual given the current climate.
Despite the setback for The Kane Chronicles, there is still a strong appetite for Riordan’s work on screen. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, highlighted the success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+ as its first season recently came to a close during the company’s recent quarterly earnings discussion. With over 110 million hours streamed, equivalent to roughly 20.6 million total views, the series has earned a renewal for a second season.
Fans of Riordan’s work will undoubtedly be disappointed by the news of The Kane Chronicles cancellation. However, the continued success of the Percy Jackson series on Disney+ offers some consolation, as it demonstrates the enduring popularity of Riordan’s storytelling in the world of screen adaptations.
