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Universal Pictures buys 'Wheel of Time' rights

Let it spin.

Variety reports that Universal Pictures has acquired film rights to Robert Jordan's bestselling "The Wheel of Time" series of 12 fantasy novels. Jordan was the pen name for the late Charleston author James O. Rigney.

The seven-figure deal suggests multiple adaptations may be made, beginning with the first book in the cycle, "The Eye of the World." Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon are on tap to produce for Red Eagle Entertainment, publisher of the graphic novel adaptations of Jordan's books.

"Yes, it (the report) is legitimate. We have signed a contract with Universal," said Rigney's widow (and editor) Harriet Popham Rigney. "But the project is not yet in development."

Published by TOR Books, "The Wheel of Time" series is generally regarded as the most detailed and richly imagined realm since "The Lord of the Rings." It is among the best-selling in the history of fantasy publishing, with thousands of Web sites devoted in whole or in part to his writing. At the time of his death, Rigney had sold an estimated 44 million copies, with the latter four installments of the series ascending to No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list. The books also have given birth to computer, trading-card and role-playing games, comic books, a soundtrack and fan sites.

Rigney died last year at 58, while working on the 12th book. The novel is being completed by fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson, working from Rigney's notes and tapes. It is slated for release by TOR Books in 2009.

"I'm enthused. Absolutely," says Tom Doherty of TOR Books, Rigney's longtime publisher and friend. "They tried several times to make films of 'The Lords of the Rings' and eventually made it well. The challenge with Jim's novels is that it would take two movies to do justice to a single one of his books. But if they (Hollywood) do it right with 'The Wheel of Time,' they could produce a very fine movie or movies."

"The Wheel of Time" follows Rand al'Thor, latest incarnation of a force for good called "The Dragon." Rand is born to fight an evil character called Shai'tan, and the two engage in a cyclical fight throughout the ages.

Reach Bill Thompson at bthompson@postandcourier.com or 937-5707.