It seems that NBC Universal will take an interesting approach handling a source material that spans seven novels and a series of comic books, by stretching the story across multiple media platforms. The plan is for a trilogy of movies and a television series, with the first film in the trilogy to be immediately followed by a television series that will bridge the second film. After the second film, the television series will pick up allowing viewers to explore the adventures of
the protagonist as a young man as a bridge to the third film and beyond.

Ron Howard, aka Little Opie Taylor, is set to direct both the first film and first season of the TV series. Howard will also act as producer for the series, teaming with fellow industry stalwarts Akiva Goldsman and Brian Grazer. For more on the details, check out the press release.

It’s an interesting strategy and we’ll be looking forward to see how it all comes together. NBC Universal will be investing a lot in this series so let’s hope they do it right, we’d hate to see them cock up such a cool series.