We’re liking Syfy’s focus on ambitious undertakings of sci-fi and fantasy favourites. Already we’ve had adaptations of Arthur C Clarke’s Childhood’s End, James SA Corey’s The Expanse and Beau Smith’s Wynonna Earp, and now Robert A Heinlein’s science fiction classic Stranger In A Strange Land will be getting the Syfy TV series treatment.
To be co-produced by Paramount Television and Universal Cable Productions, Stranger In A Strange Land follows Valentine Michael Smith, a human who was raised on Mars, but returns to Earth to find it – as the title would suggest – a changed land, having just about survived World War III, and being dominated by religious organisations. As the story progresses, he travels the world and gradually changes it, expounding principles like free love and communal living – which inevitably leads to him making some enemies in the process.
Speaking in a statement, Paramount TV president Amy Powell said of the proposed adaptation, “Paramount TV is excited to have the opportunity to adapt Robert Heinlein’s seminal work of science fiction. This novel has resonated with me since college and there’s a reason it has continued to find new fans for over forty years. Syfy’s understanding of imaginative and futuristic programming is unmatched, making them an ideal partner for this series.”
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Chair Bonnie Hammer added, “From my point of view, Stranger In A Strange Land isn’t just a science fiction masterpiece…it also happens to be one of my favorite books ever! The story is timeless and resonates more than ever in today’s world. As a fan, I can’t wait to see it come to life as a world-class television event.”
Stranger In A Strange Land will air on Syfy at a later date. For all the latest news about upcoming TV series, pick up the new issue of SciFiNow.
