Could The Elder Scrolls Be Next for a TV Adaptation?

Bethesda’s Fallout franchise has made a serious impact with its recent streaming debut, and now the studio’s head, Todd Howard, has addressed whether their fantasy series, The Elder Scrolls, might follow suit. While Fallout’s leap to the small screen has been met with plenty of buzz, Howard isn’t making any promises about a similar project for Elder Scrolls just yet.

Howard Weighs Up the Possibility

Speaking to Eurogamer, Howard was careful not to give too much away.

I can't rule in or rule out an Elder Scrolls thing in the future,

he said, suggesting that while the idea isn’t off the table, it’s far from a sure thing. He pointed out that the journey to bring Fallout to television was a long one.

I will say this, the Fallout journey was like a 10 year one. After Fallout 3, people were asking to do a film or show for Fallout, and we really took our time. But, you never know. I think the impact of the show on Fallout as a franchise has been bigger than I expected, so it does make you think like 'hey, is there a path?'. But, nothing today… [and] I'm willing to say 'no' for a decade.

Comparing Fallout and Elder Scrolls

Howard also reckons Fallout was a better fit for adaptation, at least for now. He noted that Fallout’s unique blend of retro-futurism and post-apocalyptic chaos gives it a distinct edge in its genre. The show’s world, with its mix of mutants, bandits, and 1950s-inspired underground communities, stands apart from other series. Characters like Lucy MacLean, played by Ella Purnell, are forced out of their safe havens and into the wasteland, giving the story a fresh angle.

On the other hand, any attempt to bring Elder Scrolls to television would inevitably be compared to other big fantasy dramas, especially Game of Thrones. That’s a tough act to follow, and Howard seems aware of the challenges involved in making Elder Scrolls stand out in a crowded field.

What’s Next for Fallout and Game Adaptations?

For now, Fallout fans have more to look forward to, with the second season set to hit Amazon Prime Video on December 17. New episodes will drop weekly, keeping the momentum going for the franchise’s latest chapter.

As for other game-to-screen projects, there’s no shortage of options on the horizon. Whether you’re keen on The Legend of Zelda, the next Five Nights at Freddy’s, a fresh take on Resident Evil, or even Street Fighter, there’s plenty to keep punters interested while the Elder Scrolls question hangs in the air.