Is ‘Shannara’ the Next ‘Game of Thrones?’

Though the fantasy genre has permeated TV in one form or another for years, ranging from 'Highlander' to 'Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,' nothing yet had achieved such skyrocketing levels of popularity before HBO's 'Game of Thrones' adaptation.  Now that the floodgate has been opened and fantasy poised to be the next buzz-worthy genre, could Terry Brook's 'Shannara' novels be the next fantasy epic to turn TV heads?

According to Variety, development has begun adapting Terry Brooks' fantasy novel series 'Shannara' with Sony Entertainment and Farah Pictures.  The project will still need a show-runner and a director before being pitched to potential networks, but the news is good for fantasy fans nonetheless.

The 'Shannara' series follows the titular family hundreds of years after the destruction of our own civilization, whose magical powers "perpetually reshape the future of the world."  The article also clarifies that the first season of the show would follow the show's chronologically second novel, 'The Elfstones of Shannara.'

Says Brooks of his series being developed for television:

Partnering with Sonar Entertainment and Farah Films on adapting the Shannara saga for television is an exciting prospect. Everything about both companies suggests the result will be one that both old and new fans of the books will readily embrace. I am committed to doing everything I can to help make this happen.

So, what do we think?  Does 'Game of Thrones' have a little competition in its midst?  Can 'Shannara' successfully make the leap to TV?  Give us your thoughts on this development in the comments below!