Netflix have announced the first slate of television and movie adaptations of some of Mark Millar’s comic books at The Wrap. Netflix acquired the rights to Millarworld’s IP last August and now we have an idea of what exactly we can expect to see from the companies moving forward.
So far the lineup includes two TV shows and three movies based on Millar’s work. The first show, Jupiter’s Legacy, based on the comic by Millar and Frank Quitely, tells the story of two siblings, whose father was akin to the Superman of their universe. When he is betrayed by his own brother, the story shifts to follow his children as they grow up in an almost totalitarian government after the once beloved superheroes take over. Jupiter’s Legacy will be showrun by Steven S. DeKnight (Buffy, Angel). The other TV series slated for Netflix is American Jesus, based on the graphic novel by Millar and artist Pete Gross, about a 12-year-old boy who happens to be the reincarnated Jesus Christ.
Netflix’s three film adaptations will include Empress, based on Millar’s and Stuart Immonen’s series, Huck, written by Millar with art from Rafael Albuquerque and colored by Dave McCaib, and Sharkey the Bounty Hunter, based on a new comic book due out next year. Millar and Netflix have been developing other projects alongside Millar’s wife, Lucy Millar, since the acquisition of Millarworld, including “The Magic Order,” which was published by Image as Netflix’s first comic book. According to The Wrap, the comic was the biggest selling new comic book franchise in nearly 20 years.
“My wife Lucy and I are 11 months into our jobs at Netflix and it’s everything we hoped for to the power of ten,” said Millar, adding, “This really is the greatest creative environment I’ve ever worked in. I can’t wait to switch on my computer every morning.”
As of now, all of these projects are currently in development, however you can check out the synopsis of each project below:
Jupiter’s Legacy
A multi-generational American superhero epic, “Jupiter’s Legacy” follows the world’s first generation of superheroes who received their powers in the 1930’s. In present day they are the revered elder guard, but their superpowered children struggle to live up to the legendary feats of their parents. Steven S. DeKnight (“Marvel’s Daredevil,” “Spartacus,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), who recently signed an overall deal with Netflix, will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Dan McDermott also serving as executive producers for the series. DeKnight will also direct the first episode.
American Jesus
Multilingual (Spanish/English) series “American Jesus” follows a 12-year-old boy who suddenly discovers he’s returned as Jesus Christ. He can turn water into wine, make the crippled walk, and, perhaps, even raise the dead! How will he deal with the destiny to lead the world in a conflict thousands of years in the making? Everardo Gout (“Marvel’s Luke Cage,” “Sacred Lies,” “Mars,” “Banshee”) and Leopoldo Gout (“Molly’s Game,” “Instinct”) will serve as co-showrunners and executive producers on the series. Everardo Gout will also direct.
Empress
Queen Emporia is married to (literally) the worst dictator in the galaxy, King Morax. After escaping his palace with her children, Emporia and her family, must hide from Morax and his army at all costs — even if it takes teleporting from planet to planet to avoid them. Writer Lindsey Beer (“Kingkiller Chronicle” and the upcoming “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” for Netflix and “Wizards of Once” for DreamWorks Animation) is adapting the comic book into a feature film, with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum (“The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle,” “Maleficent”) set to produce.
Huck
In a quiet seaside town, Huck uses his special gifts to do a good deed each day. His neighbors return the favors by keeping his abilities a secret. But when a newcomer alerts the media, a firestorm erupts, sending Huck on an adventure that will change everything. Ted Melfi (“Hidden Figures,” “St. Vincent”) is adapting the comic book into a feature film, with Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe set to produce.
Sharkey The Bounty Hunter
Set in a brilliant new sci-fi universe, “Sharkey” is a blue-collar bounty-hunter tracking criminals across the galaxy in his converted, rocket-powered ice-cream truck. Aided and abetted by his ten-year-old partner, he’s out for the biggest bounty of his career. Sharkey the Bounty Hunter will be adapted and published as a Millarworld/Netflix comic next year and writer Michael Bacall (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “21 Jump Street”) is writing the screenplay for the feature film.
