Sci Fi Channel announces intentions for Dresden pilot

Here are some exciting excerpts of a press release from Sci Fi!
SCI FI’S Upcoming Television Events Shatter the Boundaries of Imagination
NEW YORK, April 5 /PRNewswire/ — SCI FI Channel, responsible for almost single-handedly reviving the miniseries format in the past few years, has established itself as the industry’s leading producer of original movies and awe-inspiring television events. Continuing to attract Hollywood’s hottest filmmakers, SCI FI has partnered with DreamWorks and Steven Spielberg for a second miniseries (the first was the Emmy Award-winning Steven Spielberg Presents TAKEN) entitled Nine Lives, and has signed deals in recent months with Martin Scorsese, Bryan Singer, Dean Devlin, Joel Silver and Gale Anne Hurd, among others. Oscar(R)-caliber actors such as Timothy Hutton, Randy Quaid and Isabella Rossellini lead the casts of SCI FI’s upcoming 2004 miniseries, while other stars have signed on for future epics.
Following is a list of projects that lead SCI FI’s development slate, with a number of luminaries making the Channel their creative home:
…
Dresden Files (working title)
Based on the best-selling “Dresden Files” novels by Jim Butcher, this 2-hour backdoor pilot film will be executive produced by Academy Award(R) winner Nicolas Cage and Norm Golightly of Saturn Films. Erik Dresden is a detective with extraordinary powers, the kind that could belong only to the descendant of a long line of wizards. Where others see the typical crimes of assault, kidnapping and serial killings, Erik sees otherworldly forces at work — which only he knows how to combat. Whether consulting for the police on inexplicable crimes or following his own cases, Erik has a unique outlook on the world, and wields a wry sense of humor as one of his most potent weapons. The project is produced by Lions Gate Television and Cage’s Saturn Films (The Life of David Gale, Shadow of the Vampire), with Morgan Gendel (Law & Order, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Next Generation) writing; Gendel and Anthony Peckham (Don’t Say a Word, 5 Days to Midnight) are executive producers.

141 thoughts on “Sci Fi Channel announces intentions for Dresden pilot”

  1. Just a quick note…..
    James MARSTERS played Spike on Buffy/Angel – James MARSDEN played Cyclops on X-Men/X2….
    My opinion – JAMES MARSTERS ROCKS!!! I have always seen him as Harry Dresden!

  2. Never read the books. Reminds me a bit of the Donaldson series’.
    No offence, and yet, the “starcon” fandom I think may be premature.
    Personally, I’m a Kurt Vonnegut reader.

  3. This is great news re: proposed Sci-Fi series…. two comments: 1) Why change the name to Eric Dresden – Harry is a great first name for a wizard! and 2) I propose another actor for the role of Harry Dresden – Michael Weatherly, who played Logan Cale on the Dark Angel series! Somehow, I have always pictured him in this role.

  4. Why is there no updates on this project? It’s been months since the news broke about the Dresdon telemovie on Sci fi and yet there are no new details about this project. Has anyone heard anything new? Also I want to once again stress how badly I want JM to play this role. He is the one who I have pictured in my head as Harry (don’t make me call him Erik) Dresdon!!!!

  5. yah JM would be great for it even with the height issue it will be a great cult series heres to a good book and a hopefully good miniseries cheers

  6. In the note about a possible “Dresden” series, why is Harry’s name Erik? Is it a relaltive or did they change it all together?

  7. Have JM play Dresden and I will watch and also buy the DVD’s when they come out. Plus any role anybody thinks that Bruce Campbell could do only better. Plus he did an Andromeda that was meant for BC and IMHO he played it better and I am a BC fan. But I want James Marsters as Dreden.
    Thanks

  8. I would like to add my support to those who have been asking for James Marsters as Harry Dresden, Erik Dresden, Percy Dresden, or even Aristotle Dresden! As long as it’s the lead role in the Dresden series, I’m sure the name change and height difference will be convincing if the incomparible Mr Marsters is playing the part.
    That said, I have another casting suggestion: John Billingsley as the voice of Bob.
    John currently plays the role of Dr Phlox in Star Trek Enterprise, and has worked with James Marsters on Angel, The Series in the role of Dr Royce in the episode, Unleashed. Also, coincidentally, both James and John have run successful theatre companies in Seattle, and both have extensive theatre experience.
    It is John’s voice that I have heard in my head, even through James’ reading, and I believe he could do the required accent to perfection.
    Just have a listen to the Enterprise doctor, and tell me what you think!
    Love, the Landlady.

  9. Okay here is the thing: (1) LOVE HARRY DRESDEN (2) James Marsters would be wonderful as Harry – okay fine a bit too short but we all have imaginations – plus since hearing the clips of the audio books it is James voice I associate with Harry – plus he is the reason I even heard of Jim’s work because Obviously I’m a big James Marsters fan. (3) James did not play Cyclops that was James MARSDEN. (4) I’m very excited that this series is in the works! Thanks

  11. I have to add my vote for James Marsters as Harry/Erik. Not only has he helped develop interest in the series by doing the audio versions of the first couple of books, but he has the acting chops to pull it off. The height? Big deal. He would also be an excellent choice for the Sci-Fi channel as he would undoubtedly bring in a significant Buffy/Angel following, including a demographic that is underrepresented on the Sci-Fi channel–women 18-35 (and older).

  12. Glad to hear this way to go Jim. I’m not sure about James as Harry, but he does do an awesome job on the audio, so i’ll give him some slack. as for other characters in the series not sure about many and I know he is a bit old but how about….. ahhh mind blank Riker from The Next Generation?

  13. a few things
    1) Erik, ick thats foul, sounds lame.
    2) congrats on getting the whole deal. it will be some that is, hopefully, good to watch in this era of nothing to watch.
    3) Love the books, just finished Blood rights.
    4) RIGHT FASTER!!!!
    K

  14. I absolutely love James Marsters and he is the reason I initially purchased the “Storm Front” and “Fool Moon” audiobooks. The stories are wonderful, and now I associate Harry Dresden and his voice with James. It’s a shame to change “Harry’s” name to “Eric” however it is your story. I think it’s a great idea for James to play the role of Harry/Eric. On television, height can be deceived so bring it on! I’m a huge fan.
    Great Job!! Thank you.
    Angel.

  15. Wow.
    I personally just picked up the books on a whim on vacation, then after reading the first book, gobled up the rest like snack cakes. I personally always saw
    –>HARRY<— Dresden as Bruce Camble. The evil dead character is exactly how i pictured harry to be. I really could’nt see the SciFi channel screwing up this. I LOVED the Taken series, and was amazed at how much better they made the Fox show “sliders.”
    As for worring about budgets, i haven’t seen a mini series come out of their studios look less than a block buster movie. WOOOT for SciFi for such awsome taste in books!

  16. There are a few things that I want to say.
    1) James Marsters makes a great Harry on audio and would make a great Harry on screen.
    2) Erik was the real name of Harry Houdini.
    3) Since many of us support the idea of James Marsters, why don’t we stick to the Buffy theme and put Anthony Stewart-Head as Bob. He would be great.

  17. I was not aware that Houdini’s real name was Erik. I must admit, knowing this does make the name more appealing. I also have to agree with Nick regarding “Bob” Anthony Stewart-Head really would be great for that part. James Marsters would still make the best “Dresden”. I am 32 years old and love to read but don’t have the time lately. The audiobooks are wonderful!! I can’t wait for Grave Peril. Of course it is James’ voice that keeps me coming back; otherwise I would just have to wait until I had the time to read the books. Thank again, keep up the great stories!!
    -Angel

  18. I think that the idea of having Anthony Stewert Head as the voice of Bob is bloody brilliant!!!!!!!And as always I think that James Marsters is Harry/Eric Dresdon. I will accept no substitute!!!!!

  19. Okay first of all I think it’s just fabulous that someone is putting Dresden on screen. But I don’t think they should have changed his name to Erik. The author wrote it as Harry and I’ve gotten used to it, and yes I know it’s because Houdini’s real first name is Erik but still I object loudly about it.

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