Fans of the expansive Dungeons & Dragons universe have reason to be hopeful about a long-anticipated television adaptation of the Dragonlance setting. Actor Joe Manganiello, a well-known advocate and Chief Creative Officer of D&D Icons, has indicated that his previously scrapped series is far from dead.
According to a report by ScreenRant, stemming from an interview with IGN, Manganiello revealed that despite the project's official cancellation in 2024, he remains committed to bringing his vision for Dragonlance to the screen. The series, which Manganiello had been developing for approximately five years, was initially conceived as a major fantasy contender, aiming to rival the likes of Game of Thrones.
The original hurdles for the Dragonlance adaptation largely stemmed from shifts in corporate leadership. Manganiello explained that former HBO President of Programming, Michael Lombardo, was a key champion of the series. However, Lombardo's departure left the project without its primary executive advocate, and subsequent new leadership had differing priorities, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of financial support.
Despite this setback, Manganiello's enthusiasm has not waned. He spoke positively about his current working relationship with Dan Ayoub, the president of Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro Digital Games, suggesting potential future collaborations. The actor emphasized that producing a Dragonlance TV show remains a significant long-term goal for him, stating he would never truly abandon it. Furthermore, he hinted that other interested parties have also expressed a desire to see the series materialize.
While Manganiello's comments inject much-needed optimism into the project's status, it's important to note that no official plans for a Dragonlance TV show revival have been confirmed at this time. Nonetheless, for fans who thought this epic fantasy adaptation was lost to the annals of development hell, this update provides a beacon of hope.
