Another George R.R. Martin Series Is Coming To TV As Syfy Orders 'Nightflyers' Pilot

Game of Thrones fans may soon have another series to hold them over while they're awaiting more episodes of their favorite medieval fantasy, as Syfy has ordered a pilot for Nightflyers, another George R. R. Martin production. The author confirmed the news on Twitter on June 26, 2017:

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series will be based on both Martin's 1980 novella of the same name as well as the 1987 film:

"Based on Martin's 1980 novella and the 1987 film of the same name, Nightflyers is set in the future on the eve of Earth's destruction and follows a crew of explorers who journey on the most advanced ship in the galaxy, The Nightflyer, to intercept a mysterious alien spacecraft that might hold the key to their survival. As the crew 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."

Unfortunately, though, Martin will not be able to participate in the project given he is currently involved in four potential follow-up series to Game of Thrones. Martin confirmed his inability to be a part of the development of Nightflyers on his blog:

"Since I'm exclusive to HBO, I can't be part of the NIGHTFLYERS development, but I wish them well. The novella was a favorite of mine (especially the longer version that I did for BINARY STARS), and I think the show could have a lot of potential... especially if you like a little horror in your SF."

Bill McGoldrick, executive vice president of scripted development at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, added that Nightflyers will be a "chilling world," further confirming that this will not be an ordinary sci-fi drama like Star Trek:

"We are looking forward to diving deeper into George R.R. Martin’s chilling world of Nightflyers. The script that Jeff [Buhler] delivered encapsulates this classic sci-fi horror story and adapts it to a platform where we can truly explore the depths of madness.”

With Martin's world-building skills, Nightflyers has the potential to be a science-fiction hit.