Joe Manganiello Remains Committed to His Dragonlance Project
A New Hope for an Old Project
Joe Manganiello, one of Hollywood’s most famous Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) players, has not abandoned the idea of a Dragonlance series, despite the project being officially shelved in 2024. Speaking at Lucca Comics and Games 2026, the actor expressed his continued optimism and desire to see the project revived.
For Manganiello, the series was more than just a job; it was an attempt to bring the world of tabletop role-playing games—a childhood passion of his—to the screen. As the actor recalls, the project stalled due to staffing changes at Entertainment One. When his supporters and producers, including former HBO executive Michael Lombardo, left the company, the project lost its funding and institutional backing.
Changes in Leadership
According to the actor, he was left alone with his vision at the time, as the new management had entirely different priorities. However, the situation has shifted. The appointment of Dan Ayoub as President of Wizards of the Coast & Hasbro Digital Games has sparked renewed hope. Manganiello noted that working with Ayoub has been very productive, as he understands the vision the actor has for the D&D universe.
Beyond the series, the conversation also touched upon a documentary that had previously been put on hold. Manganiello stated that this project is now closer to realization than ever before. Nevertheless, fans should remain cautious; as Dan Ayoub only assumed the presidency a few days ago, it remains unclear how this change will specifically impact the fate of Dragonlance.
What Lies Ahead for the D&D Universe?
The world of tabletop gaming is attempting to reach the screen through various avenues. While the 2023 film Honor Among Thieves earned critical acclaim, it did not achieve significant commercial success. It remains unclear whether we will see a sequel, despite numerous rumours regarding the existence of a script.
For fans of the Dungeons & Dragons universe and fantasy series, this news serves as a reminder that the fate of major projects in the industry often depends on corporate decisions rather than just creative ones. If Manganiello’s negotiations prove successful, we may yet see the iconic story of Dragonlance on our screens in the coming years.