New York Times article and new photo

Mr. Raimi said he became a big fan of Mr. Goodkind’s books after a friend mentioned that his son was devouring them. In particular, he said, he was attracted to the evolution of the male lead.

“He’s a boy thrust into a position of adulthood where he has to immediately become a leader and a hero,” Mr. Raimi said in a phone interview. “That is very compelling to me, especially in the context of a really fun adventure story.”

Mr. Tapert also became hooked on the story — laid out in 11 books that have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide — and saw an opening in the syndication business that had not existed in nearly a decade. ... More?