Dragonlance Returns: Wizards of the Coast Reunites Iconic Creators

The beloved fantasy realm of Dragonlance is making a comeback as its original creators, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, have partnered once again with Wizards of the Coast. This announcement was shared by Dan Ayoub, the new head of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise, who also revealed that actor and Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast Joe Manganiello is joining the project.

In a recent post on X, Ayoub shared a photograph featuring himself alongside Manganiello, Weis, Hickman, and Laura Hickman, who co-created the iconic character Strahd von Zarovich. He captioned the image with a message about his vision for the D&D franchise, stating, “When I took over D&D, I had some very specific folks I wanted to bring back to The Table. Today, I had the honor of welcoming these folks back home. Amazing things ahead.”

Anticipation Builds for New Dragonlance Content

The involvement of Weis and Hickman, who co-created the Dragonlance universe for TSR in 1984, signals that fans can expect content deeply rooted in the lore of Krynn. Manganiello, a seasoned D&D player and Dungeon Master, has previously worked on a Dragonlance television series that was announced last year but ultimately cancelled. His passion for the franchise is evident, particularly in his role as Arkhan, a character devoted to Tiamat/Takhisis, in various actual play shows.

Given the history and talent involved, speculation is rife regarding the nature of the upcoming project. While a television show may remain a possibility, the announcement hints at potential new products for the Dungeons & Dragons game itself. This would be particularly welcomed, especially following the lackluster reception of the 2022 release, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen, which included only 20 pages of background material.

A New Direction for Dungeons & Dragons

Ayoub’s appointment comes during a transformative period for Dungeons & Dragons, following the departures of key figures such as creative director Chris Perkins and game director Jeremy Crawford to rival Darrington Press. As Ayoub works to revitalize the franchise, the return of prominent figures from the Dragonlance legacy could mark a significant shift in the direction of the brand.

Fans are hopeful that the collaboration between these creative minds will yield both new media and gaming products, reinforcing Dragonlance’s status as one of the most cherished settings in D&D history. As the project develops, the community eagerly awaits more updates on what “amazing things” are on the horizon.