An adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novelette Sandkings is reportedly in development at Netflix. Director Gore Verbinski revealed his involvement with the project during an interview with Collider. He also stated that Dennis Kelly is writing the script. Verbinski wouldn’t give any more news away, such as casting, which means the adaptation is likely in the very early stages. When Collider asked him what he was working on, he said the following:
The Team Behind Sandkings
Verbinski is a well-known director. He accepted the Best Animated Feature Film Oscar in 2012 for his work on Rango. He also directed the first three films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and the 2002 remake of The Ring. Additionally, Sandkings will see him reteam with John Baldecchi, who produced Verbinski’s 2001 film The Mexican.
Sandkings pre-dates George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, which of course, was adapted by HBO into Game of Thrones. The novelette first premiered in a 1979 issue of the sci-fi magazine Omni. It earned the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and Locus Award for Best Novelette. It follows wealthy playboy Simon Kress on the planet Baldur who purchases the titular Sandkings, creatures that can grow to fit any environment they’re kept in. The battle-hungry Sandkings, which are made up of four colonies, often wage war on each other. Kress begins to starve them and pin them against each other, taking bets on the outcome. Naturally, this blows up in his face once they escape.
