There is an ‘80s pulp fantasy novel called LEGEND by prolific wordsmith, David Gemmell. A 60-year-old axe-wielding adventurer who is one of the “Legends” in question called Druss comes out of retirement to defend his homeland against an invading horde led by a mystical warlord.

He is joined by a cowardly anti-hero nicknamed Rek, an army deserter and berserker, who enters the fray over love and then becomes the rallying cry at the 11th hour. Later, this novel expands beyond one desperate battle into a massive series that has heroes and villains spawning from both sides of the conflict in this story that also includes the complex perspectives of the invaders and their offspring. The characters , including what would be imagined as a supporting cast is also well-developed and one can easily follow their stories. Like that of either Ulric the Horde leader or Serbitar the warrior monk. it is up to the reader to decide which legendary character is the “legend” described in the title, most assume it is Druss, but while he is an incredible mechanism to move plot it is clear we met him during his third act. He is a catalyst character.

Druss could easily be played with dignity and fire in his belly by HULK HOGAN, DOLPH LUNDGREN, MEL GIBSON, RAY STEVENSON, RORY MCCAN, or STEPHEN LANG. Really have to bring an aging powerhouse or someone who is riding the edge of his own last answer to the call before the sun sets on his career.

It would be interesting to see ANDREW SANTINO play Rek; let him unleash all the pain, rage, and wit he has as the self-proclaimed “Whiskey Ginger.”

Another great story-to-screen opportunity lies in a shorter novel called Morningstar in which a Robin Hood type and a Merlin type travel through time fighting vampires. It is fucking awesome.

However, the main character the anti-hero, the bandit is an archetype you find all over Gemmell’s stories …The book jacket delares: “There was nothing Jarek Mace wouldn't do for the right price—including becoming a hero.” If you read it, you will see that it is true. However, if you want the origin story of the vampires themselves, it lies in a dimensional rift that opens in another story Knights of Dark Renown that is the prehistory of Morningstar.

Anyway, Jarek could be played by actors like DANE DEHAAN, DAVE FRANCO, DYLAN O’BRIEN, WILL POULTER, or a wild, bold choice would be DACRE MONTGOMERY.

The last I will suggest from Gemmell’s body of cinematic golden nuggets is Sword in The Storm, A Novel of The Rigante. This novel blends a lot of Roman, Goth, and Celtic history to weave a complex epic.

Anyway, the first book introduces a Conan-esque hero named Connavar, which means Conn, Son Of Varr. His dad is considered a coward and a cheat, which hangs over his early life but he rebels and is raised by a stepdad nicknamed The Big Man. Connavar is more intriguing than Conan and has a much bigger heart as well as a deeper intellect. His whole life is marked by a series of small tragedies, but he overcomes them and does some truly legendary shit such as fights a bear and lives, defeats a cruel warlord, and unites his people. Of Gemmell’s stories this is the one that could be turned into academy award winning action drama “like Spartacus level achievements of screen and scope.”

However, no actor comes to mind who can wield Connavar’s unique duality of brains and brawn. I think you would need to find an unknown. I am actually surprised this one is not already a movie.

Do you know Elric, who is a sorcerer-emperor who loses his throne and summons demons to his aid while his magic sword drinks souls? Google him, I’ll wait.

This is one of the greatest anti-heroes ever written in fantasy lore by Michael Moorcock. Moorcock has a massive fantasy multi-verse with an immortal hero who has many personalities and lives many lives called The Eternal Champion. What is amazing about Moorcock’s stories and novels is the characters intersect and interact in each other’s stories with so many layers and details.

Elric is his best face, so to speak. In my opinion, he is the most human of all Moorcock’s characters despite the fact that he is a member of some ancient sub-human race with albino skin.

The way JAREDO LETO portrayed Niander Wallace in Bladerunner 2049 is how I see Elric. However, then Jared would have to find a humble sadness and tragedy like he did in Dallas Buyers Club because Elric has a tremendous fall from grace, loses friends, loved ones, and himself in his quest to find peace.

The only series i can think of that has a character like Elric is the anime series Bastard! with their sorcerer anti-hero called Dark Schneider. Would not be surprised if Bastard! was influenced by Elric novels.

About David Gemmell

David Gemmell was born in London, England, in the summer of 1948. Expelled from school at sixteen, he became a bouncer, working nightclubs in Soho. Born with a silver tongue, Gemmell rarely needed to bounce customers, relying instead on his gift of gab to talk his way out of trouble. This talent eventually led him to jobs as a freelancer for the London Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Express. His first novel, Legend, was published in 1984 and has remained in print ever since. He became a full-time writer in 1986. His books consistently top the London Times bestseller list.