'X-Men' Writer to Adapt 'Dragonriders of Pern' Book Series for Big Screen

TORONTO -- Watchmen and X-Men writer David Hayter will pen an adaptation of Anne McCaffrey’s The Dragonriders of Pern book series for Copperheart Entertainment and Entertainment One.

The agreement with Hayter and Benedict Carver's Dark Hero Studios will see the science fiction/fantasy novel Dragonflight by McCaffrey adapted into a feature film.

Entertainment One, which has a first-look deal with Dark Hero Studios, is to take key international territories, including Canada. Talks are ongoing to include the U.K., Benelux and Australia.

Copperheart's Steve Hoban (Splice) and Carver will produce the film, with Susan Montford of Angry Films and Hayter executive producing along with Transformers producer Don Murphy.

Dragonflight, the first in the Dragonriders of Pern series, features an elite group of warriors take to the skies on the backs of giant, fire-breathing, telepathic dragons to save the wondrously exotic planet of Pern from a terrifying airborne menace.

Dragonflight will be an international co-production, financed by several international distribution partners. Production is scheduled to begin early 2012. No director is currently attached.