http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/japanese-novel-anime-franchise-sword-916389
Skydance Television is looking to bring Japanese novel and anime franchise Sword Art Online to the small screen.
The independent production company has acquired global live action rights to Sword Art Online in a partnership with Kadowawa Corp.
The goal is to fast-track the launch of a new franchise by developing the first-ever SAO live-action TV series. Avatar's Laeta Kalogridis will pen the script and exec produce alongside Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross. A network is not yet attached.
As part of Skydance's plan, the company plans to launch a SAO virtual reality experience through the company's interactive arm.
The deal comes as Kalogridis has a first-look and consulting deal with Skydance. Her credits include Skydance's Terminator Genisys as well as Avatar and White House Down. She is currently writing and exec producing Skydance's Netflix drama Altered Carbon. She is repped by WME.