Jackson options novels

Peter Jackson

Director Peter Jackson has optioned the film rights to the "Temeraire" historical fantasy novel series.

The Hollywood Reporter said the Wellington director was looking at adapting the books by US writer Naomi Novik into film and video games.

The books focus on British naval Captain Will Laurence who, during the Napoleonic Wars, uses a dragon named Temeraire to fight his enemies.

"Temeraire is a terrific meld of two genres that I particularly love - fantasy and historical epic," Jackson said.

Novik, a former computer programmer, said she was reassured her works were in the hands of the director who brought J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy to life.

- NZPA