(Continued)

"Hyperion"
The Scoop: Author Dan Simmons changes genres as often as he changes socks, but he is perhaps best known for his four-volume "Hyperion" saga, a hefty space opera that spans all of time, space and reality and incorporates a vast array of literary, sociological and cosmological influences. Like Asimov's "Foundation," Simmons' series envisions a future history in which humankind has spread throughout the galaxy, but here the species is threatened by its own technology, which is now self-aware and debating whether it needs those pesky humans around anymore. Dense, complicated stuff for sure, but filled with enough action and awesome imagery to make it truly cinematic -- and incredibly expensive.

Casting Call: "Hyperion" has one of the greatest monsters of all time -- a 10-foot-tall, metal killing machine called the Shrike. Either by CGI or physical effects, we want to see that baby on-screen.

"The Sword of Shannara"
The Scoop: "The Sword of Shannara" was the first fantasy novel to top the New York Times bestseller list upon its publication in 1977. The first of some 20 "Shannara" novels by Terry Brooks, it borrowed liberally from "The Lord of the Rings" in its account of the quest of young half-Elf Shea Ohmsford, who travels with a band of loyal companions to find a sword only he can wield against an evil Warlock Lord. The twist is that this is our own world, in a distant, post-nuclear war future where technology has vanished and magic returned. Warner Bros. has optioned this beloved series, but for some inexplicable reason plans to make the second book, "The Elfstones of Shannara," first.

Casting Call: As Allanon, the shadowy but noble last of the powerful Druids and guide to the Ohmsford clan, we say put Liam Neeson in the cloak and hood.

"Rendezvous With Rama"
The Scoop: Legendary sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke collaborated with Stanley Kubrick on "2001: A Space Odyssey," but this visionary thinker has yet to see any of his own original novels brought to the screen. "Rendezvous With Rama" has been in development for some time by Morgan Freeman's production company, with David Fincher attached to direct. A staggering mystery about a giant, alien-made starship that enters our solar system for purposes unknown, this acclaimed classic and its three sequels could make for visually electrifying films.

Casting Call: Who else would you trust but Morgan Freeman to unlock the mysteries of a vast object hovering over the Earth?

"The Chronicles of Amber"
The Scoop: Famed sci-fi/fantasy scribe Roger Zelazny wrote 10 novels set in the "Amber" universe, where all worlds are "shadows" of the two main worlds, Amber and the Courts of Chaos, and the fate of the multiverse rests in the hands of a powerful, dysfunctional family who are just as likely to destroy each other as all of existence. Trippy yet strangely compelling, Zelazny's books are cult classics and might make for the ultimate "art-house" fantasy blockbuster, if such a thing could exist.

Casting Call: No one's even making the movie anytime soon, but we'll nominate Clive Owen for the main character of Corwin anyway.

"Elric of Melnibone"
The Scoop: The series of novels and stories by legendary writer Michael Moorcock centers around one of the most compelling anti-heroes in imaginative literature: Elric, a frail, albino ruler who invades (and loses) his own kingdom, summons monsters to do his bidding with no qualms, and gradually destroys himself and everything he holds dear with the help of his evil, intelligent black sword, Stormbringer. He is the exact opposite of the classic fantasy hero in that he is ultimately a tragic figure, which might make him a tough sell for mainstream audiences. Elric and Stormbringer have appeared in numerous comics and video games, but the big screen eludes them.

Casting Call: No clear ideas here, but Paul Bettany's turn as the albino priest in "The Da Vinci Code" is probably a good place to start.

"A Wizard of Earthsea"
The Scoop: A young boy with great powers heads to an illustrious school for wizards and must ultimately banish a fierce evil from the world. Sound familiar? No, it's not Harry, but Ged, the youthful protagonist of Ursula K. Le Guin's children's fantasies set on a mythical island called Earthsea. The parallels between Le Guin's saga and J.K. Rowling's work have been noted, although Rowling has fared better on the screen -- a Sci Fi Channel miniseries based on "Earthsea" and its follow-up, "The Tombs of Atuan," was not received well, especially by the author. When Harry's movies finally run their course, producers might want to revisit Earthsea for more teen wizardry.

Casting Call: Young Freddie Highmore is the go-to kid for fantasy films right now ... but another yet-to-be-discovered Ged might be out there.

What series do you want to see made into feature films? Write us at heymsn@microsoft.com

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The "Foundation" series blew Don Kaye's mind when he was a young wizard, and the "Hyperion" saga finished him off as an adult. He'd like to see them take the "Lord of the Rings" route to the screen and not the "Eragon" path.