“Eragon” Disney+ Series Goes Into Development
Back in the summer of 2022, it was revealed that Disney’s 20th Television is in early development on a new live-action TV series based on Christopher Paolini’s young adult novel series “The Inheritance Cycle”, which tells the story of a farm boy named Eragon who discovers an egg that hatches into a dragon he names Saphira. Through their bond and the help of his mentor Brom, Eragon learns to be a Dragon Rider, an ancient order that had long been thought to be wiped out by the evil king Galbatorix. Eragon and Saphira set out to defeat Galbatorix and free the land of Alagaësia from his tyranny.
It’s been over a year since we last got an update on this new series, but the book’s author Christopher Paolini has revealed that Todd Harthan has been brought onto the project to work with him as a showrunner to co-create the series. Todd is also the showrunner on the hit series, “High Potential”, and he has an overall deal with 20th Television.
Todd Helbing is also working on the show as a co-showrunner, he has previously worked on the hit DC superhero series, “Superman & Lois”.
Also joining the upcoming Disney+ series is Marc Webb, who will be an executive producer. Marc has previously worked on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, “Snow White”, “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “High Potential”.
Christopher said in a statement regarding the upcoming Disney+ series:
Kvetha Fricaya! Greetings Friends! For those of you who haven’t seen the news in Deadline or Variety: Disney+ just announced that the long-awaited Eragon television series is officially in development! We’re moving from vision to reality! Christopher is excited to share that he’s working on both writing and producing the show alongside showrunner Todd Harthan and co-showrunner (and writer) Todd Helbing.
Getting to this point was no easy thing. From those initial whispers three-and-a-half years ago when the news leaked that Disney was looking to adapt the series, through countless meetings, revisions, and discussions, Christopher has poured his soul into ensuring this adaptation captures the true heart of the World of Alagaësia.
He wants to thank everyone in this incredible fandom. Without YOU, none of this would be possible. Your letters and messages remind him why this story endures. Christopher and Todd Harthan are seeking to honor this epic adventure while bringing the magic to life in ways only television can. They can’t wait to make a show that you guys love watching!
It’s still a journey—Hollywood’s path is winding—but the momentum is real, and the dragons are stirring. Stay tuned as we move forward!
As the elves would say, “Atra esterní ono thelduin.”
-Team Paolini
This isn’t the first time “Eragon” has been adapted from book to screen, as 20th Century Fox made a film of the first book, “Eragon,” which starred Ed Speleers and Jeremy Irons, which is also available to stream on Disney+.
Roger’s Take: With the huge success of “Percy Jackson And The Olympians”, Disney+ needs more fantasy-inspired content, and while I suspect we might still be a couple of years away from seeing “Eragon” hit our screens, this is a great step forward on this project.
Are you looking forward to watching an “Eragon” Disney+ series? Let me know on social media!
