Itamar Moses, who wrote two episodes of “Men of a Certain Age” and a 2011 episode of “Boardwalk Empire,” is scripting the potential Syfy series “Hyperion,” based on author Dan Simmons’ 1989 Hugo-winning novel.
I’ve not read Simmons’ books, but this is what I gather from a bit of research:
The book takes place in a 28th century in which humans can instantly teleport themselves all over the galaxy. On the colony world Hyperion, outside teleport range, lives the time-traveling “Shrike” who seems to guard something called The Time Tombs, which move backward in time. Legend has it that when pilgrims visit The Shrike, The Shrike always slaughters all but one pilgrim, but the surviving pilgrim is granted a wish. The novel tells the tales of several people on what may be the last pilgrimage to meet Hyperion’s Shrike.
So The Shrike is like Mr. Kurtz and The Wizard of Oz!
Twelve years ago Simmons hinted that Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio were in talks with a studio to turn the Hyperion books into a series of movies. But I reckon nothing came of those talks.
There are similarly big names attached to the Syfy project as producers, notably Bradley Cooper and the guy who directed those “Hangover” movies.
Look! A press release that fails to mention The Shrike, but does manage to work in the name of Bradley Cooper’s lawyer Warren Dern and the name of Warren Dern's law firm!
SYFY JOINS WITH BRADLEY COOPER, GRAHAM KING AND TODD PHILLIPS TO DEVELOP DAN SIMMONS' INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLER "HYPERION"Itamar Moses to Write Event Series
Universal Cable Productions to Serve as Studio
NEW YORK - June 10, 2015 - Syfy announced today it is teaming with Oscar-nominated producer Bradley Cooper (American Sniper), Oscar-winning producer Graham King (The Departed, Argo) and Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Old School) to develop Dan Simmons' Hugo Award-winning best-selling novel Hyperion as an event series.
Cooper will executive produce along with King and Phillips. Itamar Moses (Boardwalk Empire) will write the screenplay and serve as co-executive producer. Universal Cable Productions will serve as the studio. Hyperion will be a production of Graham King's GK Films and Bradley Cooper and Todd Phillips' 22nd and Green.
Set on the eve of Armageddon with the entire galaxy at war, Hyperion is the story of seven pilgrims who set forth on a voyage to seek the answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. Each carries a desperate hope and a terrible secret -- while one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.
"It is an absolute honor to enter into the world created by Dan Simmons that is arguably one of the greatest works of science fiction, and help realize it for television audiences," said executive producer Cooper.
Said Dave Howe, President, Syfy & Chiller: "As Syfy continues to forge important partnerships with award-winning talent on and off screen, this powerhouse team led by Bradley Cooper, Graham King and Todd Phillips brings an extraordinary track record in producing entertainment of the highest creative ambition. Epitomizing the gold standard of science fiction story-telling, Hyperion tackles smart and provocative themes that help define Syfy's development vision."
"Hyperion is a science fiction masterpiece. Dan Simmons' universe is unique and darkly compelling, and the creative team assembled here is simply as good as it gets," said Jeff Wachtel, President & Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
Cooper is represented by CAA. Moses is represented by UTA, and Phillips is represented by CAA and attorney Warren Dern at Sloane, Offer, Weber, & Dern.
Hyperion is the latest high profile scripted project to be announced by Syfy; others include the recently-announced series pickup of The Magicians, based on Lev Grossman's best-selling books; the 10-part series The Expanse, airing December 2015 and starring Thomas Jane; Arthur C. Clarke's epic mini-series Childhood's End, also set to premiere this December; Aldous Huxley's classic novel Brave New World with Amblin Television; Gale Anne Hurd's 13-episode thriller Hunters; David Goyer's Superman prequel, Krypton; and Incorporated, a futuristic espionage drama from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
