"Spider-Man" series helmer Sam Raimi and producing partner Joshua Donen have optioned film rights for Terry Goodkind's eleven-volume bestselling "Sword of Truth" adventure series.

Goodkind has never been convinced his bestselling novels could be successfully compressed into worthwhile feature films. In a meeting at the author's home, the renowned director instead conceived of a groundbreaking mini-series.

Raimi and Donen hope to begin production of the opening mini-series, "Wizard's First Rule", within the next year, to be followed by ensuing volumes of the epic novels. The development process will begin while Raimi completes "Spider-Man 3".

All of Goodkind's novels have been international bestsellers, with over 10 million copies of his novels in print. The final volume will be published in 2008. Definitive word on the production will be available in early 2007.