OneDiscworldbook is a perfect addition to its new shared universe due to its amazing parody of Hollywood’s film industry.Terry Pratchett’sDiscworldnovelsare some of the most influential in both the fantasy and parody spaces, Pratchett’s worldbuilding satirizing the many tropes in the fantasy genre while establishing its own strong and hilarious internal logic. It is no surprise then, that Pratchett’s books are getting a visual adaptation in the form of graphic novels, as they would introduce these amazing stories to new audiences while amplifying the humor.
The first threeDiscworldnovels to get adaptations cover a large range across its extended universe in the form ofThief of Time, The Wee Free Men, andMonstrous Regiment,starting the universe off with these standalone stories. However, speculation has already begun on which iconic book will be next in the set ofDiscworldshared universe graphic novelsand how they will be introduced. To me, the choice is obvious, as one particular Pratchett book would be a great introduction for a new generation through its take on the familiar setting of Hollywood:Moving Pictures.
Terry Pratchett Places A Heavy Focus On Film & Hollywood In Moving Pictures
Moving Pictures Was Published In 1990
Moving Picturesby Terry Pratchett really plays with the idea of film and parodies the many movies and challenges within Hollywood, making it a truly uniqueDiscworldnovel through its shift from other stories in the series.Discworld’s world and narrative focus are often medieval-centric, as locations like Ankh-Morpork operate on classic fantasy layouts and storylines with a humorous twist.Moving Pictures,however, breaks from this as it showcases the Disc entering its Industrial Revolution and playing with more modern ideas of fame and stardom, making it one ofDiscworld’s best booksthrough its distinct storyline.
Moving Picturessees movies being invented in Ankh-Morpork and the rise of Holy Wood, where many hopefuls, including dropout Victor Tugelbend, hope to make their markon the growing industry. Much like otherDiscworldstories, though, things go comically awry as the films end up causing a rift in reality that threatens to destroy the Disc if this new film industry is left unchecked. The premise alone makes it a great read that needs more attention, but it is that focus on visuals that makesMoving Picturesso perfect for both this and future adaptations ofDiscworld.
This Discworld Book’s Themes Make It Ripe For A Visual Adaptation
Moving Pictures' Visual Focus Can Add Even More To A Graphic Novel
The themes ofMoving Picturesmake thisDiscworldnovel perfect for a visual adaptation in multiple mediums, as those visuals can expand these ideas for a modern audience.Moving Picturesstudies the impact of technology on reality, the allure of fame, and commerce in art, all of which are highly relevant todaywith the advent of social media. Despite being written years ago, adding visuals to this story would add so much depth to it, refitting it to compensate for the new developments that occurred after its publication.
Either way, this novel within Pratchett’sDiscworldwould work perfectly in a visual format as its cinematic humor makes the story a box office hit.
Alongside of this, a visual adaptation ofMoving Picturescan really play with the premise’s humoras its focus on visual media can lead the comedy into great new directions. Though it may be difficult to adapt the camera angles in the novel,Moving Pictureswould still work due to that blend of necessary satire and strong fantasy worldbuilding, perhaps even working its way into aDiscworldTV show universeto drive those points home. Either way, this novel within Pratchett’sDiscworldwould work perfectly in a visual format as its cinematic humor makes the story a box office hit.
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.
