A new science-fiction film based on Emerson, Lake & Palmer‘s classic 1973 prog-rock anthem “Karn Evil 9” currently is in development.
The song, which features the famous line “Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends,” is a three-part, nearly half-hour epic that was co-written by late singer/bassist Greg Lake and late keyboardist Keith Emerson, with additional lyrical contribution from Pete Sinfield — who also co-wrote most of King Crimson‘s early material.
Radar Pictures has secured the rights to the song, and has hired best-selling sci-fi author Daniel H. Wilson to pen the movie’s script. The project has the full cooperation of ELP and its management.
The film will tell the tale of a future society where people are dependent on technology and are ruled by a dictatorial government. In this world, young people are given the opportunity to experience unrestrained freedom through an annual ritual called “Karn Evil” before they must return to the control of the ruling class.
“The visionary world that ELP created with their recording ‘Karn Evil 9’ is much closer to reality today,” says Radar Pictures head Ted Field. Our team at Radar looks forward to bringing this vision of where things may be headed to the big screen and beyond.”
Field has produced dozens of films during his long career, including the Jumanji franchise, the Riddick franchise, The Last Samurai and Runaway Bride.
Wilson’s credits include the bestselling sci-fi novels Robopocalypse and The Andromeda Evolution, and he also has penned the script for an upcoming film adaptation of Robopocalypse.
“I’m incredibly excited to partner with Ted and Radar to explore ‘Karn Evil 9’ — a unique and thrilling world,” Wilson says.
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