Game of Thrones Creator Developing Who Fears Death for HBO
According to a Twitter post by author Nnedi Okorafor, HBO has optioned a TV series version of her book Who Fears Death. The project is currently in early development, and it’s being helmed by another prestigious writer, George R.R. Martin; the original author of the book series for which HBO’s Game of Thrones is based, A Song of Ice and Fire.
Martin is currently attached to Who Fears Death as an executive producer. The show still appears to be in early development, so it might not materialize for a while. Plus, it might not even get picked up to series. Regardless, Martin working on a new TV project is definitely interesting. He does have some background work in television, having served writer for such shows as Beauty and the Beast and also The Twilight Zone.
More details on the project will be revealed later. To get an idea of Who Fears Death, here’s an official synopsis for the book:
In a post-apocalyptic Africa, the world has changed in many ways; yet in one region genocide between tribes still bloodies the land. A woman who has survived the annihilation of her village and a terrible rape by an enemy general wanders into the desert, hoping to die. Instead, she gives birth to an angry baby girl with hair and skin the color of sand. Gripped by the certainty that her daughter is different—special—she names her Onyesonwu, which means “Who fears death?” in an ancient language.’
It doesn’t take long for Onye to understand that she is physically and socially marked by the circumstances of her conception. She is Ewu—a child of rape who is expected to live a life of violence, a half-breed rejected by her community. But Onye is not the average Ewu. Even as a child, she manifests the beginnings of a remarkable and unique magic. As she grows, so do her abilities, and during an inadvertent visit to the spirit realm, she learns something terrifying: someone powerful is trying to kill her.’
Desperate to elude her would-be murderer and to understand her own nature, she embarks on a journey in which she grapples with nature, tradition, history, true love, and the spiritual mysteries of her culture, and ultimately learns why she was given the name she bears: Who Fears Death.
My novel WHO FEARS DEATH has been optioned by @HBO & is now in early development as a TV series with George RR Martin as executive producer. pic.twitter.com/POF7Dj2hWP
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) July 10, 2017
vinaya
July 13, 2017 @ 5:29 pm
Games of Thrones is one of my favorite TV series. I like characterization, setting as well as storyline in the Games of Thrones. Since I liked Games of the Thrones, I am looking forward to watch this new series from the same producer.
I knew nothing about Who Fears Death, thus, I checked the blog post. After reading the storyline, I think I will like this show. I hope the series do not show too much blood spilling.
Self
July 14, 2017 @ 5:36 am
Though I enjoyed the books more than the series, I must admit that the settings and characterization were totally on point and beautiful. The tv series in itself is also good, even though it has gone too far away from the books to my liking. This Who Fears Death looks like it's going to be awesome as well and I'll make sure to watch it
tallulah
July 15, 2017 @ 7:42 pm
Rubbing my hands in anticipation! I have read great reviews of the book. If its anything like Game of Thrones, then its bound to be a stunning as well. A lot of factors determines the success of making a book into aovie. Great script, awesome cast, stunning set design and of course an award winning director. Can't wait 🙂