Joe Manganiello's Dragonlance Dream Lives On: 'Never Give Up Hope'

For years, fans have lamented the cancellation of Joe Manganiello's planned Dragonlance TV series, a project that held immense promise for bringing the iconic D&D setting to live-action. However, the actor and passionate gamer has revealed that his hope for the show is far from extinguished.

Speaking at Lucca Comics and Games 2026, Manganiello detailed the five years of work poured into the project, which ultimately stalled due to behind-the-scenes leadership changes at Entertainment One. He explained how key supporters departed, leaving the Dragonlance series and a related documentary in a precarious position. "When both of those got put on the shelf due to a change of leadership – due to shuffling going on within [Entertainment One] – those projects became nobody's child," Manganiello stated. He elaborated on how his initial champion, Michael Lombardo, who understood his vision, was no longer there when critical development stages were reached, leaving him without crucial allies. "He's my guy. He's the guy who understood my pitch. He's the one who believed in me. He's the one who saw what it could be, and he's gone," he shared.

A Community's Lingering Hope

The news that Manganiello still holds out hope for Dragonlance will undoubtedly energize the dedicated D&D community. The Dragonlance saga, featuring iconic characters like Raistlin Majere and the Heroes of the Lance, is a foundational text for many who discovered role-playing games in the 1980s and 90s. The potential for a faithful adaptation, spearheaded by someone as deeply invested as Manganiello, has always been a dream for fans. His continued advocacy suggests that the dream isn't dead, merely dormant, and that there's a significant audience eager to see it revived.

What's Next for the Dragonborn

While the Dragonlance TV series remains in limbo, Manganiello hinted that a documentary project with Danny Ayoub might be closer to realization. However, specific details regarding any renewed development on the Dragonlance television show, including potential new partners or a revised timeline, have not yet been announced. Manganiello's persistent optimism, however, leaves the door open for future possibilities.