This Fantasy Reimagining From ‘The Magicians’ Creator Deserves Its Own Miniseries

Published Aug 23, 2026, 3:41 PM EDT Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics. Fantasy TV has become increasingly popular over the years, with some of the most popular series of this decade falling into the genre. However, even as adaptations thrive in this format, some of the most intriguing stories out there remain exclusive to books. Among the many novels that deserve to be brought to the screen is The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman. The standalone fantasy, published in 2024, may be relatively new but offers a unique take on a timeless legend, with all the potential to become a compelling miniseries. Not only does The Bright Sword stand on its own, but Grossman has previous experience with TV adaptations of his work. The author is best known for his trilogy The Magicians, which became a thrilling SYFY series by the same name in 2015. While it may not be the most well-known addition to the genre, the cult classic built a unique reputation with its gritty take on the magic school. The Magicians' five-season run demonstrates that Grossman's stories can make unforgettable adaptations. With its blend of legend and self-discovery for an epic fantasy, The Bright Sword needs to be brought to the screen. What Is 'The Bright Sword' About? What makes The Bright Sword stand out among the many options for adaptation is the way it uses a familiar myth to tell a completely different story. The book is based on Arthurian legend, but not in the traditional sense. Rather than following any well-known figures, it features Collum, an orphan who leaves his backwater town to join the Round Table. Most retellings explore Arthur's journey to becoming king or the challenges of his rule, but The Bright Sword begins where the others end. Collum arrives in Camelot as a newly minted knight after most of the legendary characters have fallen in battle against Mordred, leaving the kingdom in shambles. While Collum finds himself in an unexpected situation, he isn't completely alone, as a few overlooked Knights of the Round Table remain: Sir Bedivere, Sir Palomides, Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dagonet. These are minor characters from the legends, making them unlikely heroes for this story. Yet Collum joins this ragtag group, and with the help of Merlin's rebellious apprentice, Nimue, they must protect Arthur's kingdom from Morgan le Fay. Embarking on a quest to find Excalibur, these knights must confront their own pasts. By highlighting a different point in the story and featuring often-overlooked characters, The Bright Sword offers a new look at a beloved legend. 'The Bright Sword's Unique Take on Arthurian Legend Is Begging to Be Adapted Arthurian legend is no stranger to adaptation, with both TV and movies retelling the story time and time again. Rather than focusing on the story many people already know, The Bright Sword moves beyond that to depict a group of flawed, ordinary people who step up to save a broken world. The Bright Sword isn't exactly a retelling, at least not in the way people expect, which allows it to offer more than a few surprises, even to those who think they know the legend. It's also a theme that permeates through Grossman's other work — and just so happens to be one of the biggest aspects of The Magicians, in which Quentin Coldwater and his friends must band together to save humanity from various threats. Not only is The Bright Sword unique, but Arthurian myths are overdue for a new adaptation. While these legends have a few TV shows that feature different interpretations, from Merlin to Cursed, there is always room for more. With a unique story and a focus on characters who don't always earn the spotlight in these tales, Grossman's fantasy novel would make a perfect miniseries. Release Date 2015 - 2020-00-00 Network SyFy Showrunner Sera Gamble Cast Olivia Taylor Dudley Alice Quinn Directors Chris Fisher, James L. Conway, Joshua Butler, John Scott, Carol Banker, Scott Smith, Guy Norman Bee, Rebecca Johnson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Meera Menon, amanda tapping, Bill Eagles, Jan Eliasberg, Kate Woods, Shannon Kohli Writers John McNamara, Henry Alonso Myers, David Reed, Noga Landau, Christina Strain, Leah Fong, Alex Raiman, Elle Lipson, David Reed Creator(s) Sera Gamble