Dragonlance Returns: Iconic Creators and Joe Manganiello Unite

The beloved fantasy universe of Dragonlance is set to make a comeback as Wizards of the Coast announces the return of its original creators, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, alongside actor and avid Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast Joe Manganiello. The news was shared by Dan Ayoub, the new head of the D&D franchise, through a post on social media platform X, where he expressed his excitement about welcoming these key figures back to the team.

In a photograph posted by Ayoub, he is seen alongside Weis, Hickman, Manganiello, and Laura Hickman, who co-created the iconic character Strahd von Zarovich and the Ravenloft setting. Ayoub’s caption emphasized his vision for the future of D&D, 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.”

The involvement of Weis and Hickman is particularly significant, as they were instrumental in developing the Dragonlance world for TSR, the predecessor of Wizards of the Coast, back in 1984. Their return suggests that the upcoming project will likely delve into the rich lore of Krynn, the central setting of Dragonlance.

Manganiello, who has been a passionate player and Dungeon Master in the D&D community, has previously collaborated with Weis and Hickman on a Dragonlance television series. Although that project was announced to be canceled last year, the new collaboration opens the door to various possibilities, including potential media adaptations or new gaming products.

Given Manganiello’s enthusiasm for the Dragonlance universe, as evidenced by his choice to wear a Dragonlance-themed T-shirt during the announcement, fans are hopeful for a resurgence of content related to this iconic franchise. The previous release, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen, published in 2022, was met with mixed reviews, largely due to its limited content. It contained only 20 pages of background material, leaving many players wanting more.

With Ayoub steering the direction of the D&D franchise, there is optimism that new Dragonlance materials could be on the horizon. His leadership follows the departure of key figures such as creative director Chris Perkins and game director Jeremy Crawford, who left to join competitor Darrington Press.

As fans eagerly await further details, the prospect of both new media and gaming products related to Dragonlance offers an exciting future. The combination of seasoned creators and passionate players like Manganiello suggests that the return of Dragonlance could bring fresh narratives and experiences to the D&D community.