Britain's pay-TV operator Sky just announced that it's commissioned a brand-new drama series for Christmas time that will start filming this month, The Last Dragonslayer based on Jasper Fforde's novel.
A bit Harry Potter, a bit A Series of Unfortunate Events, the drama will follow the 15-year old Jennifer Strange (Ellise Chappell) in the Ununited Kingdoms who becomes the apprentice to the last Dragonslayer in a modern world but one where magic exists.
The Last Dragonslayer will start in Christmas this year on Sky's Sky1 channel.
Sky1 is Sky's flagship channel, very similar to M-Net (DStv 101) on MultiChoice's DStv. It's therefore almost a sure bet that M-Net will pick up this show and broadcast it sometime in 2017.
"For 2016, an adaptation of Jasper Fforde's The Last Dragonslayer holds all of the ingredients for the perfect seasonal treat for the entire family; wizards, dragons, a kick-ass heroine and the perfect magical cast led by Ricky Tomlinson, Ellise Chappell and John Bradley," says Cameron Roach, Sky commissioning editor in a just-released statement.
"Adapting Jasper Fforde's madcap world and unique characters, screenwriter Tom Edge has forged an exciting, fast-paced family adventure that is both compelling, endearing and emotional," says Pete Czernin of Blueprint Pictures.
The Last Dragonslayer will be directed by Jamie Stone with Laura Hastings-Smith as series producer.
