why do you think it is that Anne McCaffreys Dragonriders of Pern has never been made into a movie?

Answer 1

They have been trying and still are :

"There have been several efforts to bring Pern to television or to the "big screen."

"The first effort for a Dragonriders of Pern movie was by Alliance Atlantis. While Alliance Atlantis produced some spectacular concept art there was never any serious effort to make the step towards actually making the movie. Alliance Atlantis eventually sold their rights."

"In 2002, the WB Network and writer Ronald D. Moore (of Battlestar Galactica fame) had completed sets and casting, and were within a few days of filming. Moore had sent the pilot episode to WB for final approval. When it was returned, it was returned with so many changes to the basic structure of Pern (making it more like "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer") that it no longer much resembled the world created by Anne McCaffrey. As a fan of the Pern series, Moore refused to continue under the changes made, and filming was cancelled and rights were returned to Anne McCaffrey."

"In May of 2006, it was announced that the rights to the entire Dragonriders of Pern series was optioned by Oscar-winning production company Copperheart Entertainment. Copperheart announced their intention to bring Pern to the big screen."

"Pern on TV and the Big Screen" in "Dragonriders of Pern" : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonriders_of_Pern#Pern_on_TV_and_the_Big_Screen

Answer 2

McCaffrey may not have sold the rights. It is hard to make complex fantasy like this into a realistic, interesting move. Her books are fairly long, and that doesn't translate to a 250 page screenplay well. It can be done well, but usually isn't.

Artistic integrity, perhaps.

Answer 3

Complexity and the unmentioned "sexuality" of various and sundry pairings. (The queenrider is the only female, up until Mirrim)

Answer 4

I think it would cost too much to do right and I'd be really angry if they did it wrong.