New HBO Series Will Build on the Story of ‘Baldur’s Gate,’ Created by Craig Mazin of ‘The Last Of Us’
Craig Mazin Set to Adapt ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ into HBO Series
Craig Mazin, co-creator of HBO’s acclaimed series The Last of Us, is set to take on the adaptation of another popular title: Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3, deeply rooted in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. HBO has announced that Mazin will serve as creator, writer, executive producer, and showrunner for the upcoming drama series.
Joining him as executive producers are Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, and Gabriel Marano from Hasbro Entertainment. Chris Perkins, the former Head of Story at Wizards of the Coast, will act as a consultant on the project.
In contrast to The Last of Us, which closely followed the narrative of the original PlayStation games, Baldur’s Gate will continue the story from Baldur’s Gate 3. The series is set to explore the aftermath of events from the game, featuring both familiar and new characters grappling with their evolving circumstances.
Mazin’s enthusiasm for Baldur’s Gate 3 was a significant factor in his decision to adapt it. He has completed the game on its challenging honor mode and has been a dedicated Dungeons & Dragons player and Dungeon Master for 15 years.
“After putting nearly 1000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3, it is a dream come true to be able to continue the story that Larian and Wizards of The Coast created,” Mazin said. “I am a devoted fan of D&D and the brilliant way that Swen Vincke and his gifted team adapted it. I can’t wait to help bring Baldur’s Gate and all of its incredible characters to life with as much respect and love as we can, and I’m deeply grateful to Gabe Marano and his team at Hasbro for entrusting me with this incredibly important property.”
The series aims to delve into the expansive lore of Baldur’s Gate 3, focusing on how it begins and concludes, while incorporating elements from earlier games indirectly connected to Dungeons & Dragons. It will showcase both returning characters and new faces, following a narrative arc that aligns with the D&D lore.
As Mazin embarks on this new project, he has expressed his intent to reach out to voice actors from Baldur’s Gate 3, seeking their participation, similar to his approach with The Last of Us, where actor Merle Dandridge reprised her role.
Francesca Orsi, HBO’s EVP and Head of Drama Programming, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Craig Mazin on Baldur’s Gate. His deep and long-standing passion for the source material paired with his remarkable talent for building immersive worlds filled with rich, compelling characters promises groundbreaking results.”
HBO’s Baldur’s Gate will co-exist alongside Hasbro Entertainment’s live-action The Forgotten Realms series, which is being produced at Netflix. The vast Dungeons & Dragons universe presents opportunities for multiple adaptations.
Gabriel Marano, Head of Television at Hasbro Entertainment, emphasized the anticipation surrounding the series: “The fans have been eagerly awaiting an adaptation of Baldur’s Gate, and we could not ask for better partners than HBO and the incomparable Craig Mazin to build this world with.”
The Baldur’s Gate series is part of a beloved franchise that began in 1998, known for its intricate narratives of crime, political intrigue, and adventure. The latest installment, Baldur’s Gate 3, has received critical acclaim, boasting over 15 million players and multiple Game of the Year awards.
Mazin is represented by CAA, while Hasbro Entertainment is represented by WME.
