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Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s ‘Karn Evil 9’ to Become Dystopian Sci-Fi Film

The classic prog-rock anthem "Karn Evil 9" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer is being adapted into a dystopian sci-fi film. Isaac Ezban will direct the movie, with a screenplay by Tim Hedrick.

Variety Music·Jun 12, 2026·via Variety Music

Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s ‘Karn Evil 9’ to Become Dystopian Sci-Fi Film

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Jun 11, 2026 7:34pm PT

‘Karn Evil 9’ in Development; Dystopian Sci-Fi Film Based on Emerson, Lake & Palmer Song Sets Isaac Ezban as Director (EXCLUSIVE)

By William Earl

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William Earl

@beautifulbill

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Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s epic prog anthem “ Karn Evil 9 ” has inspired a new sci-fi dystopian film, which is now in development after landing a screenwriter and director.

Isaac Ezban (“The Incident,” “Párvulos”) is set to direct the film from a script by Tim Hedrick (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”).

Per the official synopsis, “When Zak, a brilliant but troubled musical prodigy, is invited to perform at a major music festival simulcast in the world’s most popular video game, he is shocked to discover the game’s mysterious creator may be using him to promote a terrifying new technology. In a harrowing twist, our hero comes to believe that this technology may be of inestimable benefit to humanity, and he is hunted by ruthless, anti-technology mercenaries.”