A new story based in the universe of Peter S. Beagle’s 1968 novel The Last Unicorn, which served as the inspiration for the adored 1982 animated feature of the same name, has been revealed.
On Tuesday, October 4, Beagle tweeted, “This week, I’m creating a new narrative and going back to the universe of The Last Unicorn.” A still from the aforementioned animated film, which ITC Films co produced, was included with the author’s announcement.
The Last Unicorn by Beagle was initially released by Viking Press in 1968, when he was still in his late 20s. Screenplay by Beagle himself, the animated adaptation by ITC debuted in theatres on November 19, 1982 under the direction of Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. Later, Beagle wrote Two Hearts, a novella published in 2005 that concludes The Last Unicorn. In 2010, IDW Publishing released a six-issue comic book adaptation of Beagle’s 1968 novel, which was adapted by Peter B. Gillis and illustrated by Renae De Liz.
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The Last Unicorn author Cochran finally reclaimed the artistic rights in 2021 after a protracted legal struggle in which Beagle accused Cochran of financial elder abuse. The Way Home: Two Novellas from the World of The Last Unicorn, written by Beagle, 83, is now slated for publication on April 4, 2023 from Penguin Publishing Group. Beagle is already back in the flow of things. Beagle appears to have a few more tricks up his sleeve, though.
“Young people have discovered it and find, for one reason or another, that they’re not alone, that the unicorn searching for her own people gives them courage,” Beagle said of The Last Unicorn‘s lasting impact during an interview this year. “I’ve always been alone, it’s just that I have a few weird friends. And if you have a few weird friends, you can manage.”
