The new adaptations of Terry Pratchett’sDiscworldare incredibly exciting, but they also prove just how badly we need another kind of shared universe for these books. ThenewDiscworldgraphic novel adaptationswill cover three of Pratchett’s standalone books, which connect back to his larger universe in the form ofMonstrousRegiment, The Wee Free Men, andThief of Time. The graphic novels are also set to feature some of Pratchett’s most iconic characters, including Sam Vimes, Death, and Esme Weatherwax, as these novels get blended together, creating a new interconnected universe using the previously self-contained stories.
While these graphic novels are not set to be released until 2026, it is still thrilling to see these characters come together, especially considering how vastDiscworldhas been since its conception. That being said, even though the graphic novels will be bringing thebestDiscworldbooksto a new medium, it is not as large of a change that some fans, myself included, have been hoping for. In an era of abundant book adaptations, this graphic novel series just proves how lucrative interconnected TV adaptations ofDiscworldcould be if studios took that same chance on them.
Discworld’s Shared Graphic Novel Universe Is Proof Of How Badly We Need Connected TV Adaptations
Discworld’s Comedy And Visuals Translate Well To Television
Discworld’s upcoming graphic novel universe is proof that a series of connected TV adaptations would work and is needed by Pratchett’s fanbase, especially considering how easy translating the books to screen has been in the past.The visual aspects ofDiscworldare one of its key components, as its slapstick humor and rich descriptions allow for distinct moments and strong storytelling. Though the graphic novels will likely capture that same energy, a series of connectedDiscworldTV showswould work much better, adding even more to the comedy years later.
The draw of a connectedDiscworldTV universe also counts in its favor, as the excitement for the graphic novels can easily be translated over, like it has been for other adaptations of Pratchett’s work. Though many of those adaptations garnered a positive reaction from audiences, they attempted to make each story stand alone, ignoring the great opportunities connecting it to otherDiscworldstories could create. Through a shared TV universe, Pratchett’s work can truly shine, highlighting what readers have loved about it for decades while introducingDiscworldto a wider audience.
Why Discworld Needs A New, Interconnected TV Universe
A Connected TV Universe Could Take Fantasy Shows In A New Direction
IfDiscworldwere to be adapted into an interconnected TV universe, it would shift the fantasy landscape into a fun, new direction while also taking advantage of opportunities past adaptations ignored. As mentioned,the various adaptations of Pratchett’s work often stuck to standalone stories and ignored the connected nature ofDiscworld.To truly do theDiscworldbooks justice in a TV show, then, a series must lean into their connected nature. By leaning into it, the storytelling of the series would become enriched as the absurdist heart and touching messages of the overall series come into clear focus.
Fantasy series often feel as if they must be serious and gritty, but a connectedDiscworlduniverse could prove that you can tell vast stories while also taking a lighter approach to those narratives.
Those unique features of Pratchett’s series would shift a lot of dynamics within the fantasy landscape for the better as well. Fantasy series often feel as if they must be serious and gritty, but a connectedDiscworlduniverse could prove that you can tell vast stories while also taking a lighter approach to those narratives. This approach could cause a refreshing shift in the genre, creating even more well-deserved buzz aroundDiscworldas audiences either visit or revisit the many wonderfully strange locations on the Disc.
Discworld
Discworldis a celebrated fantasy franchise created by Sir Terry Pratchett. The series takes place on a flat, disc-shaped world that is carried through space on the backs of four elephants, who stand on the shell of the giant turtle Great A’Tuin. Known for its satirical humor and incisive social commentary, the franchise began with novels but later expanded to adaptations in film, television, radio, stage plays, and video games. It has had a lasting impact on fantasy literature and pop culture.
