There’s Never Been a Better Time To Reboot ‘Eragon’

As the interest in YA fantasy novels piqued in 2023, many previously panned film adaptations have been given a second chance to succeed. Subsequently, there is no better time for Disney+ to announce their intention to reboot a fan-favourite fantasy, Eragon, into a series instead of a film. Eragon is the first instalment of Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle and was adapted into a 2006 film that was a box office disaster. The film flopped largely due to infidelity to the source material, which alienated their fanbase, in addition to the lacklustre character development, relationships, world-building, casting choices and seemingly healthy $100 million budget that was still inadequate for the grand world of Alagaësia. The sour taste left in fans mouths after watching the 2006 adaptation is finally fading, and the fantastical characters and adventures of Eragon deserve redemption in this new era of YA fantasy adaptations.

Fortunately, the new Eragon series can learn from its predecessor's momentous mistakes and create a viewing experience that encapsulates the mythical essence of Paolini's mesmerizing work. Adhering to the original storyline is crucial for the series' success, especially since the 2006 film tried to cram the lengthy source material into a mere 1 hour and 43 minutes. But most importantly, the series needs to focus on fleshing out characters and establishing relationships, particularly those between the protagonist Eragon and his dragon Saphira, and Eragon and his mentor Brom. Dynamic female characters, the races of dwarves and elves and the lore of magic also need to be included for effective and deliberate storytelling. Considering Paolini's involvement has been confirmed as a co-writer on Disney+'s new series, the chances of our favourite characters getting the narrative they deserve is optimistic.