The beloved fantasy setting of Dragonlance is making a comeback, as announced by Wizards of the Coast. The original creators, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, are reuniting with actor and avid Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast Joe Manganiello for an exciting new project. Dan Ayoub, the newly appointed head of the D&D franchise at Wizards of the Coast, shared this news on social media, expressing his enthusiasm for bringing these legendary figures back into the fold.
Ayoub posted a photo featuring himself alongside Manganiello, Weis, Hickman, and Laura Hickman, who co-created the iconic character Strahd von Zarovich. He captioned the image, “When I took over D&D, I had some very specific folks I wanted to bring back to The Table. Today, I had the honor of welcoming these folks back home. Amazing things ahead.” This statement hints at the potential for significant developments in the Dragonlance universe, particularly given the visible Dragonlance-themed attire worn by Manganiello.
Exciting Developments for Dragonlance Fans
The return of Weis and Hickman is particularly noteworthy, as they initially co-created the Dragonlance setting for TSR in 1984. The project has been shrouded in speculation, especially after the cancellation of a previously announced Dragonlance television series last year. Nonetheless, the collaboration between these key figures suggests that new content may not be limited to visual media; fans could see fresh gaming products and adventures linked to the Dragonlance lore.
Manganiello, a passionate Dungeon Master, has previously participated in numerous actual play shows, portraying the character Arkhan, a follower of Tiamat, a significant figure in Dragonlance mythology. His commitment to the franchise is evident, as he engages with fans and has expressed a desire to explore deeper narratives within the Dragonlance setting.
The possibility of new gaming materials is especially anticipated, following the mixed reception of Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen, which was criticized for its limited content. The return of Weis and Hickman to the D&D universe may allow for a more comprehensive exploration of the rich history and characters that Dragonlance fans cherish.
A New Direction for Dungeons & Dragons
In recent months, Ayoub has been steering Dungeons & Dragons toward a new direction, particularly after key departures from the creative team. Former creative director Chris Perkins and game director Jeremy Crawford left for Darrington Press, prompting a reevaluation of the franchise’s trajectory.
With the involvement of established figures like Weis, Hickman, and Manganiello, there is optimism among fans that Dungeons & Dragons will deliver both engaging new media and gaming content. As the D&D community eagerly awaits further announcements, the collaboration hints at a promising future for one of the most celebrated settings in the history of tabletop gaming.
