Netflix and Rob Liefeld have struck a reported seven-figure deal for the rights to his Extreme Studios universe IP according to Deadline. Akiva Goldsman will supervise and spearhead a team of writers, similar to the way he approached the Transformers spin-offs, to try and create a shared universe through Netflix. The goal, according to Deadline, is “to generate a series of feature films with connective tissue, anchored by Liefeld’s comic book creations.” Liefeld, Goldsman and Brooklyn Weaver will serve as producers, while Greg Lessans of the production company Weed Road will take the reigns as executive producer.
Liefeld and Goldsman had previously struck a deal to adapt “Avengelyne,”, which evolved into this Netflix agreement. Now Netflix will have the opportunity to create a universe with a branded series of films. Six books, including “Youngblood” make up the Extreme Studios universe, and it has 50 characters that include Brigade, Bloodstrike, Cybrid, Re-Gex, Bloodwulf and Kaboom. Producer Graham King (The Departed, the Tomb Raider reboot) and Fundamental Films were previously striking up a deal, however, once that didn’t work out, Netflix stepped in and made one with Liefeld.
Netflix, perhaps hoping to have similar success as Fox did with Deadpool, is “eager to create more new IP after it ordered a sequel from its first big sci-fi tentpole, the David Ayer-directed Will Smith-Joel Edgerton-starrer Bright.” Bright had little success among critics, but a sequel was ordered nonetheless. Netflix seems intent on competing with the larger studios to create a wide range of movies that have a shared universe.
Of the partnership, Goldsman said “Rob is a unique and innovative talent who knows how to combine hard-edged comic book action with real emotionality. Netflix has the ambition, reach, and dedication to bring his universe to life.” Liefeld, who had major success with “Deadpool,” “X-Men,” “Captain America,” “Spider-Man” and “The Avengers” in the ’90s and was one of the founders of Image Comics, had nothing but nice words for his new partnership. “Netflix has become a part of every day existence for me and my children,” he said. “Their programming is the most dynamic and diverse I have seen. I am beyond thrilled and inspired to be bringing my Extreme catalogue to life with the creative wizards at Netflix. What Akiva Goldsman has achieved with his craft and storytelling across all mediums in our industry is of absolute benefit for my Extreme characters.”
No information about production has been made available as of yet, but with its accrual of Millarworld, Netflix has placed a lot of faith in the comic book related material. We can only wait to see if it pays off.
