Sony Pictures has just secured the rights to what could be one of the most important fantasy adaptations of all time. News broke earlier this week that Sony had acquired the rights to produce a movie based on James Islington’s Hierarchy books, which comes as the second novel in the series is topping the New York Times best-seller list. No producers, writers, or directors are attached to the adaptation at this time, which is now in the early stages of development. It’s also unclear if this is to be planned as a franchise or just one film based on the first book.

The first Hierarchy book, titled The Will of the Many, was released in 2023. The second, titled The Strength of the Few, just arrived on November 11. The second book in the series has exploded on YouTube and short-form social media platforms like TikTok, which has helped it blossom in popularity in recent weeks. It’s set during the time of the Roman Empire but infused with elements of magic, and it follows a young man who works to topple a regime that’s consuming the Will of the masses.

Fantasy has become one of the biggest genres in the world on the backs of franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. The former of which has paved the way for countless other fantasy movies and TV shows, and it’s still going to this day. New Lord of the Rings movies like The Hunt for Gollum are in the works, and Prime Video is also working on a third season of The Rings of Power. However, the studio has had to cancel other beloved fantasy entities like The Wheel of Time, which led to intense backlash from fans that’s still happening months later.

When Could the First Hierarchy Movie Be Released?

It’s unclear at this time when the Hierarchy movie will be released, and it’s also impossible to predict a potential timeline, as the film is still in such early development. Next up for Sony and author James Islington is finding the right creative team, I.E. who is the best fit to direct and write the script. After that has been decided, casting will commence as producers come on board before the film begins production. This will all likely take a few years, so don’t expect the movie anytime before 2028 or 2029.

via Collider