The announcement that HBO is developing a Baldur's Gate 3 TV show that will continue the story from the video game has sent shockwaves across the internet. This adaptation is set to take place after the events of Larian's beloved RPG and will feature characters from the game. Craig Mazin, the creator of HBO's Chernobyl and The Last of Us, has been appointed as showrunner, with Chris Perkins, former longtime Head of Story at Wizards of the Coast, serving as a consultant.
The internet has reacted with a mix of disbelief and concern, largely due to the game's multiple endings, varying world states, and divergent outcomes for characters like Astarion, Karlach, and Shadowheart. Adding to the unease is the fact that Larian, the developer of Baldur's Gate 3, is not officially consulting on the show. Larian's boss, Swen Vincke, confirmed this in a tweet, noting that Mazin has requested a visit for a discussion. Vincke expressed hope, saying, "From the conversation we had, I think he truly is a big fan which gives me hope."
Vincke shared his thoughts on the show, reflecting on its origins: "Crazy that a story that started out in a small hotel conference room eventually evolved into a narrative inspiring enough for it to become a HBO series. We worked incredibly hard on making Baldur's Gate 3 worthy of its legacy. Its characters and narratives are the result of many teams working together and I think I can speak for them all in saying that they'll think this is cool and hope that what comes next will enjoy the same level of passion. The endings of BG3 were created so they could serve as narrative soil for new adventures. There's plenty of directions they could go. I'm eager to find out which ones Craig and his team will pick. He's reached out for a chat so we'll have the opportunity to tell him our thoughts. Crossing fingers that the story we're cooking up for Divinity will eventually grow to the same heights. Certainly putting in the hours :)"
Michael Douse, Larian's publishing director, initially reacted more candidly on social media, sharing memes and responses, but later offered a measured perspective: "I've spent the last 8-10 years of my life with the writers and creators of Baldur's Gate 3 and they're the most incredible storytellers and creators in the space. Only hope is that they get both the credit deserved and the characters are represented at the same level as the game. I genuinely don't think anyone can trump our writers. Our stories are built by fierce camaraderie and resolve. I have watched them write and write and write and through respect for audience and material come up with some of the finest shit i have ever played. I hope TV allows for the same thoroughness. Don't abandon hope, but do expect the world. That's the job."
HBO and Wizards of the Coast's approach contrasts sharply with Amazon and Bethesda's strategy for the Fallout TV series, where Bethesda, led by Todd Howard, is heavily involved. The Fallout series has been praised for capturing the universe's tone and aesthetic, avoiding retelling existing game stories and instead introducing new characters and settings post-game events.
Casting choices for Baldur's Gate 3 will face intense scrutiny, as the game's characters and their actors, like Neil Newbon as Astarion, have become iconic. HBO is familiar with online backlash, as seen with mixed reactions to The Last of Us Season 2, despite Season 1's success. Mazin has addressed this, and Ellie actor Bella Ramsey suggested critics stick to the game, while Neil Druckmann left the show to focus on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
It's early days for the Baldur's Gate 3 TV show, with concrete details likely to emerge later. Until then, speculation abounds—could Timothée Chalamet play Astarion?
