There is one key detail of the upcomingDungeons & DragonsTV series that makes me optimistic about it. The knowledge thatDungeons & Dragonshas finally secured its storied television series warmed my heart but came with the inevitable apprehension that beloved locations and characters could get ruined on-screen by an appalling adaptation. After all,theDungeons & Dragonsmoviesleft much to be desired in terms of quality. They didn’t do much for fandom hope inDungeons & Dragonsadaptations. But the TV show has some promising qualities.
Although we don’t know much about the show, we do know a few of the names attached. Importantly, it is also known that the show will be calledThe Forgotten Realmsand will be based in the eponymous campaign setting, which may be the most famous ofD&D.Drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urdenlives in the Forgotten Realms, enabling a cameo from the famous R.A. Salvatore character. But what matters most to me is that Shawn Levy is attached to the project, allowing me to express a sincere vote of confidence.
Shawn Levy Producing Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons Show Gives Me Hope After Stranger Things
Stranger Things Was Based On Dungeons & Dragons Lore
Shawn Levy is the executive producer and director of Netflix’s highly successfulStranger Things, which says good things aboutThe Forgotten Realms.My confidence inThe Forgotten Realmsshot sky-highwhen I realized that Levy was involved, having been followingStranger Thingsfrom the get-go and experiencing his mastery ofDungeons & Dragonsstorytelling. AlthoughStranger Thingsdoes not adapt any oneD&Dbook, module, or campaign, it incorporates multiple exciting aspects of historicalDungeons & Dragonslore, proving Levy’s ability to make it exciting. This can be a difficult task.
The Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons TV Show Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank To Adapt Drow Like Drizzt
The Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms TV show is coming to Netflix, and it may note some key tips for adapting fantasy species like drow.
As the significant fan thirst fora sequel toDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thievesproves,it is possible to make D&D lore engaging to just about anyone. However,The Forgotten Realmswas never going to have too much to do withHonor Among Thieves, unfortunately, despite it taking place in the Realms. The show was originally to be streamed on Paramount+ and produced by the same creators asHonor Among Thieves, but that deal broke down. At least now,D&Dfans can look forward to a show influenced byStranger Things.
Stranger Things' Success Suggests Netflix Is The Right Home For A Live-Action D&D Show
Dungeons & Dragons Picked The Right Streamer For Its Show
IfThe Forgotten Realmsis a success, Netflix could launch aD&Duniverse.
This will help ensure the future of the franchise on screen. There is everything to play for. IfThe Forgotten Realmsis a success, Netflix could launch aD&Duniverse. This could then meet the needs of long-termD&Dfans by ensuring that anyclassic characters that got popular cameos inThe Forgotten Realmscould see their own seriesor spinoff coming up next. Sealing the deal of Netflix’s promise as a streamer forD&Dis the boom inthe success ofHonor Among Thieveson Netflixas soon as it dropped.
I Hope The Forgotten Realms Series Continues One Shawn Levy Trend From His Other Series
Shawn Levy Has Big Potential Steering Dungeons & Dragons
I have big hopes forThe Forgotten Realmswith Shawn Levy at its helm, bearing in mind that he could bring one of his greatest skills to the table. As a producer, Levy creates layered atmosphere with tense and spooky moments as well as lighthearted fun, all of which are great references forThe Forgotten Realms.TheD&DTV show can includeForgotten Realmsfan favoriteslike Baldur’s Gate or Waterdeep to create impact, while if Shawn Levy gets to direct episodes as well as produce, they could go far further.
Stranger Thingslaunched on July 17, 2025.
Shawn Levy has directed episodes three and four of all four seasons ofStranger Things, with season 5 due to air in 2025. These episodes were often highlights of the ’80s horror TV series, proving Levy’s propensity for profound drama elevated beyond the typical horror TV.Levy’s kind of moving drama is exactly whatThe Forgotten Realmsneedsto move beyond the kind of predictable pastiche and clichéd tropes that make lots of fantasy movies and TV so boring. TheD&Dmovies fell into this trap, relying on derivative fantasy storytelling without driving any real emotion.
The Forgotten Realms are explored inDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,The Legend of Drizztbook series, and the Waterdeep: Dragon Heist campaign.
Episode 4 ofStranger Thingsseason 4 is probably the best episode of the season and maybe the best episode of the entire series, playing on the strengths of Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield. Levy’s artful direction of this episode used Kate Bush’s legendary “Running Up That Hill” to soundtrack its most powerful scene, and thissmart use of pop culture would apply well toThe Forgotten Realms. Using beloved music and human drama could ensure that the newDungeons & DragonsTV show is as high quality asHonor Among Thievesor even better.
Dungeons & Dragons
TheDungeons & Dragonsfranchise is a fantasy adventure series based on the iconic tabletop role-playing game. The franchise includes both live-action and animated adaptations, with the most notable being the recent filmDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves(2023), which brought the fantasy world of D&D to a broader audience with its blend of humor, action, and classic D&D elements. The franchise explores themes of heroism, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of adventuring in a magical world filled with dragons, wizards, and mythical creatures.
