Syfy already is celebrating its 25th anniversary, announcing a network rebranding, new series pickups and development deals.
The network’s anniversary isn’t until September, but on June 19 it will roll out a brand new logo and look, as well as reaffirming its commitment to genre TV and fans.
The network announced an original programming slate that includes the series pickups of the Superman prequel “Krypton” and the graphic novel adaptation “Happy!”
Syfy and Universal Cable Productions announced a new development project based on author George R.R. Martin’s novella “Nightflyers.” “Nightflyers” joins previously announced development deals “Brave New World,” “Hyperion” and “Stranger in a Strange Land.”
“Krypton” and “Happy!” join original programs that include “The Expanse,” “The Magicians,” “12 Monkeys” and “Channel Zero.”
In addition to the network rebranding, Syfy plan to expand its editorial division Syfy Wire to infuse breaking genre news, analysis and more original content across its entire ecosystem. Syfy Wire will cover the latest in genre TV, film, books, comics, gaming and technology.
Pickups
Krypton
Set two generations before the destruction of the legendary Man of Steel’s home planet, “Krypton” follows Superman’s grandfather (Cameron Cuffe)—whose House of El was ostracized and shamed—as he fights to redeem his family’s honor and save his beloved world from chaos.
In addition to Cuffe, “Krypton” stars Georgina Campbell, Elliot Cowan, Ann Ogbomo, Rasmus Hardiker, Wallis Day, Aaron Pierre and Ian McElhinney.
Based on DC characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, “Krypton” comes from Warner Horizon Scripted Television. David S. Goyer executive produces through his Phantom Four banner. Damian Kindler will serve as executive producer and showrunner. Goyer and Kindler wrote the pilot from a story by Ian Goldberg and Goyer. Colm McCarthy served as director and co-executive producer.
Happy!
“Happy!” is based on the graphic novel from New York Times best-selling authors Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson. The series follows Nick Sax (Christopher Meloni—an intoxicated, corrupt ex-cop turned hit man—who is adrift in a world of casual murder, soulless sex and betrayal. After a hit gone wrong, his inebriated life is forever changed by a tiny, relentlessly positive, imaginary blue winged horse named “Happy” (Bobby Moynihan).
“Happy!” comes from Universal Cable Productions. Executive producers Grant Morrison and Brian Taylor co-wrote the pilot. Neal Moritz, Pavun Shetty and Toby Jaffe of Original Film, Meloni and showrunner Patrick Macmanus will executive produce. Taylor directed the pilot.
In development
Nightflyers
Syfy and Universal Cable Productions are developing a supernatural thriller based on author George R.R. Martin’s epic novel. On the eve of Earth’s destruction, a crew of explorers journey aboard the most advanced ship in the galaxy, The Nightflyer, to intercept a mysterious alien spacecraft that might hold the key to their survival. As crew members nears their destination, they discover that the ship’s artificial intelligence and never-seen captain may be steering them into deadly and unspeakable horrors deep in the dark reaches of space.
“Nightflyers” is being developed with executive producers Gene Klein, David Bartis and Doug Liman of Hypnotic; Alison Rosenzweig and Michael Gaeta of Gaeta Rosenzweig Films; Lloyd Ivan Miller and Alice P. Neuhauser of Lloyd Ivan Miller Productions. Executive producer Jeff Buhler also will write the adaptation. Robert Jaffe will produce.
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley’s novel, published in 1932, is considered one of the most influential genre novels of all time. It imagines the world 632 years into the future when humans, now genetically bred and socially indoctrinated, have lost their freedoms to an authoritarian ruling order that keeps them passive through pharmaceuticals.
Syfy and Universal Cable Productions have tapped comic book writer Grant Morrison and writer-director Brian Taylor to adapt. Morrison and Taylor serve as executive producers, along with Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, co-presidents of Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television.
Hyperion
Based on Dan Simmons’ Hugo Award-winning and bestselling novels, “Hyperion” follows seven pilgrims who, on the eve of a galactic armageddon, embark on separate quests. Each carries a desperate hope and a terrible secret—and one may hold the fate of humanity in his or her hands. Bradley Cooper, Graham King and Todd Phillips are developing “Hyperion,” which comes from Universal Cable Productions.
Stranger in a Strange Land
Based on the groundbreaking 1961 science fiction novel by Robert Heinlein. “Stranger in a Strange Land” tells the story of a human who was raised on Mars by Martians. His arrival back on Earth could change humanity forever. The series is a co-production between Paramount Television and Universal Cable Productions.