It’s been a while since Syfy has been the go-to channel for quality science fiction, what with all B-movies, pro-wrestling, and reality shows of dubious connection to sci-fi. However, lately there have been signs that Syfy might be trying to return to its roots. One of these signs is the recent announcement that they are developing an adaptation of Dan Simmons’ award-winning, 1989 novel ‘Hyperion’ into a series.

Syfy is partnering with Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper, who will be the executive producer. Cooper has been a huge fan of ‘Hyperion’ for quite a while and has tried before to get it adapted to the screen. “It is an absolute honor to enter into the world created by Dan Simmons that is arguably one of the greatest works of science fiction, and help realize it for television audiences,” Cooper said in a press release. Joining Cooper as executive producers are Todd Phillips and Graham King, with Itamar Moses writing the screenplay and serving as a co-executive producer.

Dan Simmons

‘Hyperion’ is the tale of a seven “pilgrims” journeying to the planet Hyperion in a desperate search for something that could save humanity from an invasion of “Ousters,” humans that have been genetically modified heavily for life in deep space. The book takes a lot of inspiration from the poetry of John Keats and The Canturbury Tales, with the various pilgrims telling their stories to each other as they travel to their destination.

I really hope that Syfy and Cooper pull this one off. ‘Hyperion’ doesn’t seem like the kind of book that would adapt easily, but it always helps to have someone on board who actually cares about doing right by the source material instead of just shoving out adaptations that barely resemble the original work if they resemble it at all. So far, it looks like this could be an amazing series. The talent seems to be there, the passion is certainly there, and Syfy sure looks like they’ve started caring about quality programming again. Let’s wait and see.