Paramount+ Halts Dungeons & Dragons Series Development: What's Next?

Paramount+ has decided to halt development on its live-action series inspired by Hasbro's immensely popular Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game franchise. This decision comes approximately eighteen months after Paramount's streaming service initially greenlit the project with an eight-episode straight-to-series order in January 2023. Originally a collaboration between Hasbro-owned eOne, which spearheaded the series' development, and Paramount Pictures, the project is now under the oversight of Hasbro Entertainment following eOne's acquisition by Lionsgate in December 2023.

Under Hasbro Entertainment's management, the series will undergo a comprehensive creative overhaul before being presented to other potential partners and platforms for consideration. Key changes include assembling a new creative team to reimagine the show's direction. The previous iteration, which was sold to Paramount+, was conceived by Rawson Marshall Thurber and Drew Crevello, with Thurber penning the pilot script and slated to direct the premiere episode.

Despite this setback, Hasbro remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing a live-action Dungeons & Dragons series to fruition as part of a larger narrative universe. This universe includes the 2023 film adaptation "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" and the ongoing Broadway production "The Twenty-Sided Tavern." With its rich tapestry of characters, encompassing humans, elves, orcs, and other mythical beings, Dungeons & Dragons has captivated audiences worldwide for nearly half a century. As one of Hasbro's flagship franchises, D&D continues to thrive across various mediums, from tabletop gaming to video games and livestreamed content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Meanwhile, both Hasbro's entertainment division and Paramount find themselves navigating periods of transition, with Paramount attracting interest from several potential buyers amid shifts in the entertainment landscape.