Netflix has decided not to move forward with the adaptation of The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan into a series of three feature films. The announcement was made by Riordan himself in response to a fan's inquiry on Goodreads. The project is now in 'turnaround,' indicating that it is no longer progressing with Netflix.
Despite two years of effort to develop a script for the adaptation, Netflix opted to abandon the project. The future of the adaptation now hinges on whether another studio is willing to take on the preproduction costs and continue the project.
The film trilogy was initially announced in 2020, with the first installment set to adapt The Red Pyramid, the first book in The Kane Chronicles series. The screenplay for the first film was being written by Diandra Pendleton-Thompson.
The Kane Chronicles follows the adventures of siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who discover they are descendants of two powerful Egyptian pharaohs. The series has gained popularity for its blend of action-filled tales and ancient Egyptian mythology.
The decision to scrap the adaptation comes amidst a trend in the streaming industry where platforms are reducing their development slates. Riordan acknowledged this trend, noting that the cancellation of The Kane Chronicles films is not uncommon given the current climate.
Despite the setback for The Kane Chronicles, there is still a strong demand for Riordan's work on screen. The success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+ has led to a renewal for a second season, with over 110 million hours streamed.
Fans of Riordan's work may be disappointed by the cancellation of The Kane Chronicles adaptation. However, the continued success of the Percy Jackson series on Disney+ showcases the enduring popularity of Riordan's storytelling in screen adaptations.
