Last week, I discussed my suggestions on what would be needed to make a film based on the role-playing board game, Dungeons & Dragons, work. At the end, I mentioned that there is a well-known story within the world of the Forgotten Realms, and though the story may not work well on film, it could work as a series.
This story is none other than The Legend of Drizzt.
The Legend of Drizzt is a long-running series of novels set in the Forgotten Realms by R.A. Salvatore. Currently at 36 novels (as well as 12 short stories), the series focuses on the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf (Drow Elf in D&D lore) ranger who rejected the ways of his people, and joined forces with Bruenor Battlehammer (a Dwarf who serves as the King of Mithral Hall), Catti-Brie (Bruenor's adopted human daughter), Wulfgar (the barbarian hero of Icewind Dale), Regis (Bruenor's halfling steward), and his panther companion, Guenhwyvar.
There is a lot more to this story, but I honestly don't want to give too much away. Plus, it doesn't help that I'm still reading the series (as of the time I'm writing this column, I am reading the 14th book, Servant of the Shard).
Now, to adapt this series of books to visual media. As I said before, with the size of the Drizzt's story, it would be fitting to make it as a television series. As cool as it would be to see a live-action adaptation of Drizzt, it would be tough as you would have to get actors that would really fit the part (the only one I can think of that would be a good fit for such a adaptation is Chris Hemsworth as Wulfgar).
However, in my opinion, an adaptation of Drizzt may work out better as an animated series (especially one made for a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max). The series itself is dark when it comes to its content (especially Drizzt's backstory as well as the combat). Though Titmouse, Inc. is currently making an animated adaptation of the long-running Critical Role series entitled Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina, I think the best company to tackle an animated Drizzt series would have to be Frederator Studios.
The reason I suggest Frederator Studios is due to the amazing work they did for their animated adaptation of the horror video game series, Castlevania. The animation is completely beautiful and awesome when it comes to its visuals, storytelling, and the combat, and the anime inspired designs of the characters are very well done. The writing keeps the audience wanting more (and as of this past Spring, there has been an announcement for a fourth season), and the voice actors (consisting of big celebrity names such as Richard Armitage as Trevor Belmont) fits the characters.
Honestly, if Frederator can work their magic on a successful adaptation of a video game series, then they can do the same with Drizzt, and with 36 books published in the series, they have enough material for numerous seasons. Of course, everything would have to be approved by Drizzt's creator, R.A. Salvatore, and I cannot speak for the man himself.
As a growing fan of the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden, I would love to see an adaptation of his adventures. Hopefully, one day, it will happen.