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This Beloved Sci-Fi Novel Is Finally Getting Adapted After 12 Years, but It’s All Wrong
Pierce Brown’s science-fiction series *Red Rising* is set to receive a film adaptation after 12 years and at least two abandoned attempts. Paramount Pictures has acquired the film rights and appointed writer Justin Rhodes and director Francis Lawrence, but some fans argue that the sprawling story would work better as a series or animation.
Brown says he has wanted a live-action film and is pursuing what he believes gives the story its best chance, while acknowledging that animation could be considered later. He cited complex rights issues and said success with a film could leave other options open, whereas an unsuccessful animated version might end the project. The series spans the solar system and features elaborate worlds, advanced technology and action that could require extensive visual effects in live action.
In short
- Paramount has acquired the film rights to *Red Rising*.
- Pierce Brown says live action is his preferred first approach.
- Fans see animation or a series as better suited to the story.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A live-action film could give Red Rising the broad audience and resources needed to bring its worlds and action to the screen, while honouring the author’s preference for this format. A successful film might also make room for further adaptations, including animation, whereas a less commercially viable format could make the project harder to launch.
The case against
The series’ sprawling plot, many settings and elaborate technology may be difficult to fit into a single film without losing depth or simplifying its world. A television series could allow more time for character development and political complexity, while animation might portray the settings and action with greater visual freedom and more consistent costs.
Explained simply
Red Rising is a science-fiction series by American author Pierce Brown. It follows Darrow, a young worker from Mars who becomes involved in a revolt against a society divided into colour-coded groups, with the Gold ruling class at the top.
The books expand across the solar system and include large-scale battles, advanced technology and distinct societies. Brown has long sought a live-action film, while some readers favour a television series or animation, formats that could allow more room for the story’s scale. Adapting it involves choices about how to present those worlds and manage the production’s visual effects.