Alternative Fantasy TV Series: Why Amazon Could Have Done Better

When it comes to choosing content for their television series, content creators often resort to the familiar, often at the expense of originality and innovation. However, Amazon's recent decisions have sparked debates, with some questioning why they did not consider the rich and unexplored worlds of certain fantasy authors. Given the vast and uncharted territories of fantasy literature, which works or series should have been selected instead of rehashing Tolkien’s intellectual property? Let’s explore some compelling alternatives that could have offered a fresh perspective and captivated audiences.

Jim Butcher's The Furies of Calderon

One of the most compelling alternatives would be Jim Butcher's The Furies of Calderon. This series showcases a unique blend of action, intrigue, and world-building that could offer a fresh perspective to TV viewers. Set in a world torn apart by internal strife and magical forces, this series offers a complex and engaging narrative that could unfold over multiple seasons.

Steven Erikson's The Malazan Book of the Fallen

Another excellent choice would be the ten-book series The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. With extensive world-building and intricate plotlines, this series could provide years of material for a series. Each book introduces new characters, settings, and conflicts that could be explored in depth over multiple seasons, potentially engaging audiences with its rich and multifaceted storyline.

R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt Du’orden Series

R.A. Salvatore's series on Drizzt Du’orden, set in the Forgotten Realms, offers a unique take on the “one against all” narrative. While the world of dark elves and fantasy realms is well-known, the perspective of a lone hero facing insurmountable odds could bring a new level of excitement and depth to the series. Additionally, the possibility of expanding into the Forgotten Realms offers untapped potential for a series with a wide variety of settings and cultures to explore.

The Case for Original Fantasy Works

Instead of relying on Tolkien’s intellectual property, content creators could have considered hiring respected fantasy novelists to craft an original story. This approach can offer several benefits, such as an imaginative and unparalleled world, a fresh perspective, and a unique storyline that can capture the audience’s interest without the baggage of pre-existing expectations. A notable example is David Simon, who hired crime novelists for "The Wire," resulting in a groundbreaking series with a strong and original narrative.

The vast world-building in Middle-earth is undoubtedly impressive, but it can also limit writers' creativity and imagination. While a proper adaptation of Tolkien’s works could be brilliant, a fresh and original story could offer a more exciting and innovative viewing experience. With an additional budget of $250 million, creators could have focused on creating a truly immersive and original fantasy world without the constraints of existing intellectual property.

Amazon and other content creators should continually strive to bring new and original content to their audiences. By exploring the rich and underutilized worlds of existing fantasy authors, they can offer viewers a new and exciting fantasy experience. Perhaps the best discussions for future projects will focus on why an original story was chosen, instead of relying on the well-trodden path of lesser-known properties.