Peter Jackson is continuing his fantastical flair as he options “Temeraire,” a historical fantasy series by first-time novelist Naomi Novik.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the “Temeraire” saga reimagines the world of the Napoleonic Wars with the addition of an air force of dragons and valiant aviators. It centers on British naval Capt. Will Laurence, who captures a French ship, where he discovers an unhatched dragon egg in the hold — a gift from the Emperor of China intended for Napoleon. When the egg hatches, he is forced to give up his naval career to become captain of the dragon he names Temeraire.
Jackson told THR, “‘Temeraire’ is a terrific meld of two genres that I particularly love — fantasy and historical epic… I can’t wait to see Napoleonic battles fought with a squadron of dragons. That’s what I go to the movies for.”
The “Temeraire” books have already been well received by publisher Del Rey who has gone on to ask for two more books from author Novik who has also done design work on a video game titled “Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of Undrentide,” which has already caught Jackson’s eye with an aim to make “Temeraire” an interactive outing as well.
A great quote from Novik was included in the article as she said, “I never took it seriously until (IPG’s Justin Manask) called myself and (literary agent Cynthia Manson) and said, ‘Peter wants the book.’ There was lot of screaming in my household when I first got the call.”
Novik is currently working on the fourth book in the series while Jackson is finishing up his script for The Lovely Bones with writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens with the intent of speaking to distributors after the script is done. He plans to direct the movie in second-half 2007.
If you are interested in the first three books in the “Temeraire” series click here for more info from Amazon.com.
