The revelation that HBO is developing a series rooted in the monumental success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has elicited a complex mix of anticipation and skepticism. As a lifelong devotee of Dungeons & Dragons and the Forgotten Realms, the prospect of seeing this intricate universe rendered with a “prestige TV” budget is undeniably thrilling. Yet, a nagging question remains: does the D&D cinematic future need to be so tethered to Baldur’s Gate 3?
With over 400 hours invested in Larian Studios’ masterpiece, my critique doesn’t stem from a lack of affection for the game. On the contrary, I adore the experience they crafted. However, I fear that the sheer gravity of Baldur’s Gate 3’s success is pulling the entire D&D mythos into its orbit, potentially eclipsing five decades of diverse storytelling. When a high-profile drama becomes the face of the franchise, there is a risk that the video game becomes synonymous with the Forgotten Realms itself, ignoring the vast gallery of legends that haven’t spent time in Larian’s spotlight.
Take, for instance, the recent “Roll for Initiative” Secret Lair drop for Magic: The Gathering. While it’s a celebration of D&D, the lineup is heavily weighted toward the BG3 roster. With Shadowheart and Gale joining the likes of Astarion and Karlach, the majority of the game’s origin characters now boast their own dedicated cards. It’s a treat for fans, certainly, but it feels like a missed opportunity to honor legacy icons like Drizzt Do’Urden with a similar level of prestige.
This trend extends into the tabletop sphere as well. Recent Forgotten Realms supplements, such as Heroes of Faerûn, lean heavily on the game’s visual identity for marketing and cover art. We see the same pattern in Astarion’s Book of Hungers, which filters the darker corners of the city through the perspective of the game’s most recognizable vampire. It’s a savvy commercial move—after all, the game sold upwards of 20 million units—but even the most exquisite indulgence can lead to fatigue when it becomes the only thing on the menu.
The most concerning aspect of the HBO announcement is its framing as a potential sequel. Larian CEO Swen Vincke suggested on X that the game’s conclusions were intended as “narrative soil” for future tales. While poetic, this poses a significant problem for character integrity. Consider Karlach: her journey culminates in a poignant, binary choice between a tragic end or a life of eternal warfare in Avernus. Bringing her back for a television series risks cheapening the emotional weight of those player decisions. For many, a TV script shouldn’t serve as a universal resurrection spell that undoes a definitive character arc.
The broader D&D multiverse is brimming with untapped potential. Showrunner Craig Mazin is an experienced Dungeon Master, so he surely recognizes that Faerûn is more than just one city. Why not finally bring the dual-wielding Drow ranger and his astral panther to life? Or explore the terrifying majesty of Strahd von Zarovich, a vampire who makes Astarion look like a mere fledgling? Beyond the Realms, settings like the sun-scorched wastes of Dark Sun or the magitech-infused streets of Eberron offer aesthetic departures that would be visually stunning on screen.
However, early reports suggest the HBO project might not be a direct adaptation at all. Mazin has indicated the show will likely center on original protagonists who cross paths with BG3 favorites. This sounds less like a sequel and more like a brand-driven spin-off, especially since Larian Studios is not involved. With Netflix also developing a live-action D&D project (though its status remains somewhat nebulous), HBO’s focus on the Baldur’s Gate branding is clearly a move to secure the largest possible audience through name recognition.
Ultimately, while more D&D in the mainstream is a net positive, I hope the creators remember that the IP’s strength lies in its infinite variety. Using Baldur’s Gate 3 as a gateway is fine, but the show should aim to expand the horizon, not just revisit the same campfire. If they can manage to weave in a cameo from a certain famous Drow along the way, I might just forgive the obsession with the “Tadpole” crew.
Source: Polygon
