“Paradise Lost” is a book that most people remember hating in high school. For those that dozed off in English class, or aren’t fans of iconic works of literature, the epic poem retells the biblical story of the fall of man, with Satan tempting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Now, in the age of “Game of Thrones,” Martin Freeman and Dancing Ledge Productions are hoping to bring this classic tale to TV.
According to Screen Daily, Freeman will service as an executive producer on the project, with his participation as an actor not yet decided. He is joined by Dancing Ledge CEO Laurence Bowen, as they are currently trying to land a network and writers for U.K. and U.S. release.
“ ’Paradise Lost’ is like a biblical ‘Games of Thrones’ transporting the reader into an internecine world of political intrigue and incredible violence. At stake? The future of mankind. There’s never been a better time for [a] big, original, bold drama series, and Martin and I both feel incredibly inspired by the material,” says Bowen.
The epic has inspired countless movies and TV series, but never has “Paradise Lost” been adapted for the small screen. This is a huge undertaking, but Freeman thinks it has a chance to be a massive hit. He says, “ ’Paradise Lost’ is epic, exciting and surprisingly modern. And maybe, the first time, the devil gets all the best tunes!”
With “Game of Thrones” ending in the next year or so, there will be an upcoming void in the hearts of many looking for grandiose and decidedly adult fare. Maybe “Paradise Lost” can fill that vacancy or, at the very least, give students an alternative to reading the book? On second thought, no one actually skips their required reading and just watches the movie, right?
But, before we get too enthused, let’s not forget the path to “Paradise Lost” has already seen one high-profile project fall by the wayside. Back in 2012, Legendary yanked the plug on Alex Proyas‘ feature film version, which would’ve starred Bradley Cooper as Lucifer; Djimon Hounsou as Abdiel, the angel of death; Casey Affleck as the angel Gabriel; Camilla Belle as Eve; and Callan McAuliffe as archangel Uriel. Oh, what could’ve been….