It might come as a surprise to some audiences that George R.R. Martin’s work outsideA Song of Ice and Firehas not had much success when it comes to screen adaptations. However, all of this could change with the upcoming fantasy movieIn The Lost Lands, which has a confirmed 2025 release date and will star Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich as the warrior Boyce and the witch Gray Alys (viaGeorgeRRMartin). Based on his short story of the same name,In The Lost Landscould be a risk at the box office, but this doesn’t outweigh its potential.
George R.R. Martin’s best booksdon’t just includeGame of Thrones, even if that’s his most popular work to date. The prolific fantasy writer initially wrote shorter works of fiction, even if his epic saga has gained the most traction onscreen. The success of the prequel TV series,House of the Dragon, is a positive sign for future GRRM adaptations.However, that still falls within the realm ofGame of Thrones.In The Lost Landswill have increased traction thanks to GRRM’s name recognitions, the recent increase in interest in fantasy, and the star power of Bautista and Jovovich.
Movies & TV Shows Based On GRRM’s Non-Game Of Thrones Works Have Struggled
It’s not uncommon for fantasy TV shows or movies based on books to end up stuck in development,and this has happened with a few of GRRM’s older works. There was potential forThe Ice DragonandWild Cardsto be brought to life on screen, but there have been few updates in the past few years. Of the GRRM’s properties that have been adapted, likeNightflyers, both TV shows and movies have failed to capture the hearts and minds of audiences. The big question forIn The Lost Landsis if it will break this trend.
Unfortunately,In The Lost Landsdoesn’t have theGame of Thronesconnection that would essentially ensure its success.
There are plenty of new andupcomingGame of Thronesspinoffs, likeA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, sinceA Song of Ice and Firehas proven to be such a consistent moneymaker.However, this has been the exception to the rule for GRRM works, asGame of Throneswas a breakout hit with longtime fantasy fans and newcomers to the genre alike. Unfortunately,In The Lost Landsdoesn’t have theGame of Thronesconnection that would essentially ensure its success. However, this doesn’t mean that all hope is lost for the upcoming movie.
Can In The Lost Lands Be A Success?
If In The Lost Lands connects with audiences, it could open the door for more GRRM content
Bautista and Jovovich have the potential to be a great combination at the box office,as both actors have been in popular blockbusters. Additionally, both Bautista and Jovovich are known for their work in the action genre, indicating thatIn The Lost Landswill lean into the fight sequences and violence, elements that perform well in theaters. The director, Paul W.S. Anderson, has worked with Jovovich in the past, but not all of their collaborations have been hits. Overall,In The Lost Landwill struggle the most with name recognition.
In The Land of The Lostwill likely benefit from its stars and a tight script based on GRRM’s source material but will have the best chance of success if it can be made on a tight budget. There’s a path forward for the movie, and if it performs well, this would set a precedent for revisiting GRRM’s other work outsideA Song of Ice and Fire. While plenty offantasy movies have bombed at the box office, ifIn The Land of the Lostlearns from these mistakes and appeals to dedicated GRRM fans, there’s no reason it can’t usher in a new era of fantasy films.
In the Lost Lands
Cast
A queen seeks to obtain the power to shape-shift and enlists the sorceress Gray Alys to venture into the perilous Lost Lands to retrieve it. Gray Alys, accompanied by a guide named Boyce, faces deadly creatures and treacherous landscapes. The journey challenges their resolve and reveals the true cost of the queen’s desire.
