Playground Options Alan Moore’s The Great When

Playground has landed the rights to The Great When, a new fantasy novel from Alan Moore (Watchmen, V for Vendetta) that was published in October by Bloomsbury.

The Great When is the first in Moore’s planned five-volume Long London series. Set in post-World War II London, it tells the story of Dennis Knuckleyard, a young clerk at a secondhand bookshop who comes into the possession of a novel that doesn’t exist. The book comes from the Great When, a nightmarish, imaginary realm that is the supernatural counterpart to London, a place beyond time and space.

Knuckleyard’s boss and landlord tells him that if he does not return the book, he will be literally turned inside out and killed. Knuckleyard then finds himself at the center of an explosive series of events that put his life at risk and may alter and endanger both Londons forever.

Moore’s works have been adapted several times before, with From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V for Vendetta and HBO’s Watchmen finding success. The latter received an Emmy for outstanding limited series.

“Alan Moore’s The Great When is an extraordinary work of imagination, combining elements of history, fantasy and mystery to create a world that is both epic and intimate, strange yet deeply human,” said David Stern, joint managing director of Playground. “This project represents the type of storytelling we at Playground are passionate about, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Alan, one of the most influential writers of our time, to bring this remarkable work to television.”

Moore commented, “For the first time in my career, I’m genuinely excited and enthusiastic about a work of mine—one that I own and believe could work marvelously in a different medium—being adapted for the screen. In Playground, I feel that I’ve connected with people who respect both me and the narrative and are receptive to such input as I can offer. And, given Playground’s track record, I have little doubt that this will be anything short of spectacular. It’s taken me some time, but I think at least I’m ready for my close-up.”