George R.R. Martin, author of “Game of Thrones,” now has another book series in development for television, namely “Wild Cards.”
Melinda Snodgrass, the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” writer who co-edits the “Wild Cards” books with Martin, will oversee the TV version. While Martin and Snodgrass have both contributed stories to the books, the shared-universe “Wild Cards” series is actually written by dozens of writers, among them Chris Claremont and Roger Zelazny.
NBC Universal's cable arm is developing the series, so I reckon it could wind up on USA, Syfy or Chiller. Or elsewhere.
The 22-book “Wild Card” series depicts an alternate universe in which a mostly deadly alien virus released over New York in 1946 transformed a handful of humans into superheroes (the “aces”) and many more humans into deformed freaks (the “jokers”).
No two people affected by the virus are affected in precisely the same way. Invulnerable World War II vet Golden Boy has super-strength. Another WWII vet, the Black Eagle, can fly at great speeds. The arrow-shooting Yeoman has incredible aim. The bikini-wearing Wraith can walk through walls. The Righteous Djinn can grow to 30 feet tall and absorb the powers of others. Puppetman, a U.S. senator, can control minds. Popinjay can teleport people and objects, but not himself. Kid Dinosaur and transform himself into extinct reptiles. Fatman, a restauranteur, can manipulate gravity. The prostitute Roulette can kill with her vagina.
Martin says the only character certain to be a component of the series is The Sleeper, an ace whose powers and appearance change every time he becomes unconscious.
Find Martin’s blogging on the matter here.
