There’s some great news for sci-fi fans. Nightflyers, a sci-fi novella, written by the Game of Thrones creator, George R. R Martin has officially been ordered by cable TV network Syfy. Reports have been confirmed that the pilot has been filmed and it must have impressed the folks at Syfy. The cable network is confirming that they have picked up the series for an initial season. The first season is slated to begin filming in the coming year in Ireland in a new studio complex in Limerick.
The TV series, based on the book of the same name, is being described as sci-fi thriller set deep in outer space. According to a spokesperson for Syfy as reported in Variety magazine, “The story follows eight maverick scientists and a powerful telepathic who embark on an expedition to the edge of our solar system in the hopes of contacting alien life”. The series takes its title from the name of their ship, The Nightflyer. The group of scientist are embarked on their mission to explore the distant reaches of the solar system in their trusty ship which is captained by a reclusive character. The crew are of course made up of a close knit group. Their harmony is disrupted when a series of violent and terrifying events overtake them. The crew are forced to re-examine their relationships and loyalties as surviving their voyage becomes an enormous challenge. There’s lots of potential for suspense and horror.
Nightflyers, George R. R Martin’s short novel, was written in 1985. The novel has been adapted for film in 1987 but was widely panned. Syfy have confirmed that Jeff Buhler is the series writer and Executive Producer. Also verified as showrunner and executive Producer is Daniel Cerone. George R. R Martin has expressed his support for the project and enthused about the production and the script. He’s added that the story does deviate massively from his version but that it retrains much of the essence of his tale.
Martin, is of course, the author of ‘A Song Of Ice And Fire’ series on which the wildly popular HBO series Game of Thrones was based. Martin has a number of other TV shows in the works and has a major deal with HBO. He will not therefore be involved in the writing team of Nightflyers because of this. However it is thought that he will come onboard as Executive Producer of the upcoming science-fiction show.
Much of the cast has also been announced. Gretchen Mol, who dazzled in Boardwalk Empire is to star in the TV adaptation, playing the role of Dr Agatha Matheson. Other top billed cats members that have been announced include the handsome Eoin Macken from The Night Shift who stars as Karl D’Branin and David Ajala as Roy Eris. Thale will be played by newcomer Sam Strike and Irish actor from Love-Hate fame BrÃan F. O’Byrne is cast as Auggie. Also on the cast are Maya Eshet, Angus Sampson and Jodie Turner-Smith.
According to the press release, Nightflyers, is being co-produced with the streaming giant Netflix. It will initially be shown on Syfy in America. International sci-fi fans will have an opportunity to catch the show on Netflix which has secured the rights to stream it internationally. No premier date has yet been announced for the exciting adaptation of Nightflyers but we’ll keep our eyes and ears open.
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