A sweeping, feature-length documentary which charts Fantasy’s epic rise — from myth and fairy tales to Tolkien, Dungeons & Dragons, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Romantasy and beyond — through exclusive interviews with some of the genre’s key creators.
London, UK – August 2025 — From ancient myths to billion-dollar blockbusters, fantasy has captured imaginations for centuries. Fantasy Rising, a sweeping new feature documentary, takes audiences on an epic journey through the genre’s transformation — from campfire folklore to the global juggernauts of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and beyond.
Launching its Kickstarter campaign on August 20, 2025, Fantasy Rising promises the definitive chronicle of fantasy’s rise, told through brand-new interviews with creators, authors, and visionaries who shaped it — including Raymond E. Feist (Magician), Sir Ian Livingstone (Games Workshop, Fighting Fantasy), Peter V. Brett (The Demon Cycle), Scott Lynch (The Lies of Locke Lamora) and many, many more.
From Folklore to Fandom Phenomenon
Once dismissed as “children’s literature,” fantasy now commands movie screens, bestseller lists, and gaming consoles worldwide. Opening in 1965, when the American publication of The Lord of The Rings saw the trilogy become a phenomenon and a beloved touchstone of the counterculture, the film takes us back to the roots of Tolkien’s magnum opus. It delves into pivotal turning points in the story of Fantasy:
- How The Brothers Grimm preserved supernatural folktales but inadvertently shaped Fantasy as “kid’s stuff”.
- How visionary authors George MacDonald, Lewis Carroll and L Frank Baum expanded the “fairy story” to create bold new worlds.
- How Robert E. Howard’s creation Conan infused the genre with grit and raw heroism.
- How Dungeons & Dragons brought fans together and transformed Fantasy into a burgeoning subculture.
- The boom of fantasy movies in the wake of Star Wars and the would-be blockbusters of the 1980s, from The Dark Crystal to Willow.
- The game-changing arrival of Harry Potter, His Dark Materials and Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy at the turn of the 21st century.
- The transformative success of HBO’s Game of Thrones and the literary phenomenon of ‘Romantasy’.
A Magical Mystery Tour Through Fantasy
“Fantasy’s journey into the mainstream was hard-won,” says writer-director Tom O’Dell. “It’s a genre that has evolved alongside its audience — from bedtime stories and basement D&D sessions to shared family cinema events and scholarly debate. Fantasy now sits at the very heart of global entertainment. This is the perfect moment to tell its story.”
Kickstarter Campaign & Rewards
The Kickstarter will fund the final stages of post-production and bring Fantasy Rising to audiences worldwide. Exclusive rewards for backers include:
- Two-disc Blu-ray edition with original artwork by acclaimed fantasy artist Wayne Reynolds.
- Limited-edition copy of George MacDonald’s Phantastes, featuring new artwork by Joe Wilson and an introduction by Tolkien scholar Brian Sibley.
- Signed art prints from celebrated authors and illustrators.
Campaign Launch Date: August 20, 2025
Kickstarter Link: FANTASY RISING by Tom O’Dell — Kickstarter
Leave a Reply