George R.R. Martin has written some of the greatest fantasy novels of our time. His creative and abstract imagination is the reason we have been blessed with the hit HBO series Game Of Thrones. Even now, as GOT is preparing for its final two seasons HBO is currently in the process of planning several spin-offs based on the world of Westeros. Now the mind of George is expanding even further as Variety reports that the SyFy network has ordered a pilot based off of Martin’s novella entitled Nightflyers.

Nightflyers follows eight scientists and a powerful telepath as they go on an expedition to the edge of the solar system on board a spaceship called the Nightflyer along with its tightknit crew and its very sequestered captain. Their goal is to try and come into contact with alien life but the journey turns out to be more dangerous than anticipated.

The book was previously adapted into a feature film back in 1987. The current script was written by Jeff Buhler (The Midnight Meat Train). EVP of Scripted Development at NBC Universal, Bill McGoldrick, had this to say about the pilot:

“We are looking forward to diving deeper into George R.R. Martin’s chilling world of ‘Nightflyers’. The script that Jeff delivered encapsulates this classic sci-fi horror story and adapts it to a platform where we can truly explore the depths of madness.”

SyFy is currently in the process of rebranding itself as it develops more original content to accompany it’s roster of popular shows like Dark Matter, Killjoys and The Magicians. As of now, a director has not yet been attached to direct the pilot and no anticipated released date has been scheduled. We will keep you updated as more information is released. Are you excited to see this novel be made into a series? Let us know in the comments below.

SOURCE: Variety