James Cameron Reveals Why He Chose 'The Devils' for Adaptation

A New Adventure in Fantasy

Joe Abercrombie has carved out a unique niche in the world of fantasy literature. Known for his gritty, realistic approach to storytelling, he has become one of the most celebrated authors in the genre. His works, such as the First Law trilogy and the Shattered Sea series, have captivated readers with their complex characters and intricate plots. This year, Abercrombie has taken an unexpected turn with his latest novel, The Devils, which is already making waves in the literary world.

The Story of The Devils

Set in an alternate version of Europe, The Devils follows Alex, a streetwise scavenger and thief who discovers she is actually Princess Alexia Pyrogennetos, the heir to the Serpent Throne of Troy. Her journey begins when the Pope recruits a group of devils—each with their own unique traits, including an elf, werewolf, magician, monk, and vampire—to escort her to Troy. Their mission is to help her reclaim her rightful place on the throne.

As Alex navigates this new reality, she faces numerous challenges and obstacles. From enemies seeking to stop her to monstrous threats that test her resolve, the path to Troy is anything but easy. However, having her own set of devils by her side proves invaluable in overcoming these trials.

A Growing Success

Just months after its release, The Devils has already gained significant attention and acclaim. The novel's success has led to plans for a sequel, and it has even caught the eye of legendary director James Cameron. Cameron’s company, Lightstorm Entertainment, has acquired the rights to adapt the book into a film, with the filmmaker himself set to co-write the screenplay.

In a recent interview, Cameron expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He mentioned reading parts of the book aloud to his wife, Suzy, and realizing he needed to purchase the rights. “I was literally reading parts of the book out loud to my wife Suzy,” he said. “And it dawned on me: 'I like this book so much, I should just buy it.'”

Cameron described the story as “off its tits” and “nuts,” highlighting its wild and unpredictable nature. He also noted that while the film won’t carry the same weight as Avatar, it will be a fun and thrilling project to make. “It doesn’t have the kind of conscience that Avatar does, but I don’t know if that’s a bad thing,” he added. “Hiroshima is a movie you do because you have to. The Devils is a movie you do for fun.”

A Whimsical and Brutal Tale

The tone of The Devils seems to align with the whimsy of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, but with Abercrombie’s signature brutality. This blend of humor and darkness sets the novel apart from other fantasy works, offering a fresh and exciting take on the genre.

In addition to The Devils, Abercrombie’s First Law novel Best Served Cold is also being adapted into a live-action project featuring Rebecca Ferguson. While the project has been quiet lately, the author has spoken about it in previous interviews. Fans are eagerly awaiting any updates on this adaptation.

What’s Next for James Cameron?

Cameron is currently working on Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is set to debut in theaters on December 19. As he continues to explore new projects, fans are excited to see how he brings The Devils to the big screen.

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