It was almost two years ago that Fox first grabbed rights to “The Traveler” by John Twelve Hawks, but it’s taken a while to get momentum behind the project. Probably because the book garners more fame for the strange behavior of the author than any real quality. Not that “The Traveler” and its subsequent novels aren’t good – they are. But when people compare them to “1984” and The Matrix, it’s because Twelve Hawks isn’t covering much new ground.
The story is familiar: small, secretive group (called the Tabula) seeks to control everyone through use of constant surveillance while a group (called Travelers – who can spiritually shift dimensions) rebels alongside a violent protectorate called Harlequins. I hate to boil it down like that, but toss in more action and pulp writing in “1984” and you’re on the right track.
Now, Fox is pushing ahead with Watchmen screenwriter Alex Tse taking on the project.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bourne producer Andrew Tennenbaum is partnering with Gil Netter to deliver for Fox.
I have to admit not making past “The Traveler,” after it debuted when I was in college, so I don’t know if the series heats up, but I have my doubts about what kind of film the story makes.
On second thought, a more action-based “1984” might be pretty cool. But that’s only because we’ve seen it before with The Matrix, Equilibrium, and films like them.
Don’t mind me. My opinion on “The Traveler” is mostly negative because it’s an averagely written novel using other writers’ ideas, and the author claiming to live off the grid takes his mystery persona (complete with ridiculous pseudonym) to the nth degree of gimmickery.
Still, it would be nice to have an action sci-fi film featuring a female protagonist…
Clearly, I’m torn. But either way, we’ll be keeping an eye out to see what direction this thing goes.
What do you say, internet?
