The fantasy genre, on screens both big and small, is making a killing these days. It's not hard to see why MTV would want their own Game of Thrones and, while it remains to be seen if they're worthy of the challenge with The Shannara Chronicles, the first trailer proves they're willing to chalk up the funds to make it happen.
Based on the long-standing book series by Terry Brooks, the fantasy drama follows three heroes, Amberle (Poppy Drayton), an Elven Princess, Wil (Austin Butler) a half-elf, half-human, and human Eretria (Ivana Baquero) as they try to save a post-nuclear holocaust war world from a Demon army. The trailer premiered admit the craziness during last night's VMA Awards.
When it comes to production value and sense of scale, beyond a few wonky CGI shots, the new show from Smallville showrunners Miles Millar and Al Gough does look appropriately impressive. At times, the visuals appear up-to-par with the latter seasons of HBO's most beloved genre program. The minute-long tease is quick to promote the effects and sets, however, and a look at the story and acting takes a back set for the moment. So it's not guaranteed to be up for battle. But this is a good start.
Also starring Manu Bennett and John Rhys-Davies, and executive produced by Jon Favreau, it's possible they blew their wad in the pilot, but that can't be said for certain. Those who've seen clips and episodes from the show are certainly impressed, including fellow MTV star Connor Weil (Scream) who told us last month it's "going to be really great." Brooks, too, is supportive, as he told Paste at Comic-Con the peaks he was given were "very good." Of course, he's quick to admit his bias.
A definitive answer won't be determined until The Shannara Chronicles premieres in January, but you can begin forming your opinions on the trailer, through MTV, below: