Ava DuVernay Adapting Wings of Fire for Netflix

Netflix has ordered Wings of Fire, a family-targeted animated event series based on the best-selling book series, with Ava DuVernay on board the project.

The epic fantasy saga marks the first animated series from DuVernay and ARRAY Filmworks. DuVernay, author Tui T. Sutherland and Sam Register will executive produce the 10×40-minute series, with Dan Milano, Christa Starr and Justin Ridge serving as executive producers and showrunners of the new series from Warner Bros. Animation.

The Wings of Fire books have 14 million copies in print around the world. In the story, a bitter war has raged for generations between the dragon tribes who inhabit the epic world of Pyrrhia. According to prophecy, five young dragons will rise to end the bloodshed and bring peace back to the land. Raised and trained in secret from the time they were hatched, the Dragonets of destiny—Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight and Sunny—embark on an evolving quest that will bring them face to face with their true selves and the overwhelming scope of this savage war they are destined to bring to an end.

DuVernay said: “Within this epic book series from the mind of Tui Sutherland is an elegant saga filled with wisdom and wonder, exploring ideas of belonging and bias, camaraderie and community. On behalf of my colleagues Sarah Bremner and Paul Garnes of ARRAY Filmworks, we’re thrilled to partner with Netflix and Warner Bros. Animation for this dynamic adaptation where five young dragonets fulfill their destiny and show viewers how to fulfill their own.”

Melissa Cobb, VP of original animation for Netflix, said: “We couldn’t be more proud that Ava has chosen Netflix as the home for her first animated series. An epic fantasy saga full of sweep and spectacle, Wings of Fire promises to be a must-see event for the whole family.”

Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, added: “The Wings of Fire books have captured the imagination of millions. In Ava, Justin, Christa and Dan, we have a visionary creative team that will bring that same sense of wonder and adventure from the books to life with animation and create the next great animated family series at Netflix.”