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Director Sam Raimi poses on arrivals at the premiere of Spider-Man 2 copyright Sue Schneider
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Sam Raimi to develop SWORD OF TRUTH mini-series

By: Karl Schneider
Date: Monday, July 31, 2006
Source: ComingSoon.net

According to ComingSoon.net, director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man) and his producing partner Joshua Donen will develop a mini-series based on the bestselling SWORD OF TRUTH book series.

ComingSoon writes, "Having been approached by Hollywood a number of times over the past decade, Goodkind was never convinced that his 400,000 word novels could be successfully compressed into worthwhile feature films. In a meeting at the author's home, the renowned director [Raimi] and producer instead conceived [him] of a groundbreaking mini-series. Within two hours Goodkind was sold on the concept and negotiations commenced. Ten months later the deal was finally concluded."

"It's a dream come true to work with someone of such remarkable vision, talent, and ability," Goodkind said. "Given Sam's sincere love for these stories and his determination to only make great films, this mini-series will be a watershed event."

Development is said to begin while Raimi finishes SPIDER-MAN 3, the first mini-series will be based off the Wizard's First Rule novel and production should get underway within the next year.

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Comments/Responses

• Jul 31, 2006, 04:46am •

I`ve never heard of the Sword of Truth. Anyone want to fill me in?

• Jul 31, 2006, 08:16am •

i wish i could..... please help both of us

• Jul 31, 2006, 09:21am •

I really like this series. It has a kind of original take on magic. Excerpt from AMazon gives a basic plot:

The protective barrier that separates Westland from its neighbors to the east is about to fall, letting loose a monstrous evil upon the world. Only the combined efforts of a young man dedicated to finding the truth, an enigmatic woman intent on concealing her past, and a crusty old hermit resigned to his inevitable destiny can prevent the opening of the three boxes of Orden-an event with the potential to destroy existence itself.

If doe right, these could make a great Miniseries and Raimi seems like a good fit.

• Jul 31, 2006, 10:23am •

I read the first book. It was okay. I think there are better books out there: Wheel of Time series or The Belgarid, the Dragonbone Chair...all of which were good. Personally there was nothing in the first book that made me want to read the next one.

• Jul 31, 2006, 10:24am •

this surprises me... I've read about half of the series 1-5 (haven't had much time in the past few years to go any further... I kind of lost interest but may pick it up again sometime)

I felt that he borrowed a few aspects from Robert Jordan's series 'The Wheel of Time' which is by far the better series to invest time into (he's also the better author... the man can write... I've read all 12 books in the series and I can't wait for more).

I don't think Goodkind cares for his characters that much and it shows (it makes it hard to root for the characters and care about them). Anyways, if they're going to do this, it should be shown on HBO and be done in the vein of other HBO series... they know how to do things right.

I plan on watching because the series started off good and it will be interesting to see what they do with it.

Still though, if I had to pick between a series being made... I'd vote for the 'Wheel of Time' series. It's amazing... if you haven't read it, go get it.

kbaum • Jul 31, 2006, 10:56am •

Goodkind is a really good writer, and seeing what Raimi did with Spider-Man, the show can turn out like LOTR. Raimi can strip out some aspects of the tale that just get to bogged down in details and make it a good watch.

jwesty is right, the 'Wheel of Time' series is good I too have read all the books, but Jordan has completely lost his way on that story. Though entertaining, who knows what is going on.

My vot is for a miniseries (on HBO) on the Belgariad or on the Shannara books.

• Jul 31, 2006, 11:33am •

kbaum... i've never read the Belgariad series but the original trilogy for the Shannara books would be awesome; even the four part series that came out after the trilogy would be good too (anything Shannara after that does not hold up as well). The original trilogy deserves a film release while the four-part series could go HBO.

As with the 'Wheel of Time' series... I don't think he's lost his way. He's letting the story unfold at its own pace. I'm glad to see though that you still think he's entertaining... that's testament to his writing abilities.

*****SPOILER******

In the last book... when Rand lost his hand... that came out of nowhere.

******************

He still keeps the suspense up and there is still the mystery of Moirane to uncover and unfold. Let's not forget the letter she sent to Thom. There's also Mat's story about the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Oh yeah... let's not forget about Egwene and her struggle for the White Tower (being captive and all)... even Logain and Mazrim Taim have their parts yet to come.... Jordan lays such a thick story down that this series could go on for another 3 books... or more.

• Jul 31, 2006, 11:43am •

here's another one... Lan... he needs to reclaim his crown. This series, in my opinion, has no comparison. Every time he releases a book its on the best seller list. He is a damn-fine writer. I've even read some of his Conan and Fallon Blood books that he wrote under Pseudonymns.

Any author who can make a character juggle three women and have them each be okay with it (and making it actually work and be believable)... is automatically cool in my book. He should just end the serious with a foursome... that would be one hell of a note to end on.

chirop1 • Jul 31, 2006, 11:44am •

Jwesty... have you followed any of the latest news? You seem to be months behind. There won't be another 3 books... or more.

Jordan has a terminal disease that in all liklihood will kill him within the next couple of years. (All flowery positive hopes and prayers notwithstanding... that's the cold hard facts.)

However, even before that, he said that this next WoT book is the last. Which to me is a horrible idea. He has written himself into a gigantic tapestry with too many frayed edges. To try and wrap it up into one book will leave too much to be desired. And after watching him drift aimlessly through the last 5 or so books... I don't see him having the focus to get it done.

----

Back on topic, I've read the entire Sword of Truth series. I agree that it started weak, but it has improved steadily. If you look up some info about Goodkind online, you will see that his biggest knock is that recently he has begun to use his books as a pulpit for some of Ayn Rand's philosophical ideas. It doesn't detract too much, but it does come across as preachy from time to time.

arker • Jul 31, 2006, 11:51am •

I have mixed feelings about this news. On one side I am glad they are finally bringing it to the screen but on the other I'm terrified that it will be a disaster. Goodkind has written 11 books in this series, I just hope that the first one goes well so that the others will be considered for filming.

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Sam Raimi to develop SWORD OF TRUTH mini-series

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