After the massive success of theR-ratedsmash hitDeadpool, that comic book’s co-creator is heading back to the big screen in an extreme way.DeadpoolcreatorRob Liefeldis teaming up with producersGraham King,Akiva Goldsman,Brooklyn Weaverand Fundamental Films, to create new movies based on comic book characters he has created in what has come to be known as theExtreme Universe. This sprawling universe covers nine comic books and over 100 characters, although it is’t clear which character will come to the big screen first.
Deadlinereports that this is the first “big rights deal” of 2017, worth north of seven figures, according to the site’s sources. Some of the more notable characters included in theExtreme UniverseincludeBrigade,Bloodstrike,Cybrid,Lethal,Re-Gex,Bloodwulf,Battlestone,BaboomandNitro-Gen. After shepherding thewriters roomfor theTransformersfranchise,Akiva Goldsmanwill take over the same role for theExtreme Universemovies. Here’s whatRob Liefeldhad to say in a statement about hisExtreme Universecoming to life on the big screen.
“Over the past nearly 25 years, since launching Image Comics, I’ve been lucky enough to see the power of these stories and characters as they’ve resonated with several generations of comic book fans. To now be able to work withAkiva GoldsmanandGraham King, who are powerhouses in their own right, to bring these compelling characters and conflicts to life on the big screen is nothing short of a dream come true.”
The writers room format for movie franchises has certainly become quite popular after Paramount and Hasbro brought in several writers to hash out stories forTransformerssequels and spin-offs.Akiva Goldsmanwas also brought in to oversee a newHasbro writers roomthat will generate ideas forG.I. Joe,Micronauts,Visionaries,M.A.S.K.(Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) andROM. It remains to be seen when the search for new writers will be under way for theExtreme Universewriters room. Here’s what producerGraham Kinghad to say in his statement.
“Robhas an uncanny ability to create unique stories with unforgettable characters andExtreme Universeis no exception. These stories are fantastic and I couldn’t imagine better partners on this project than Mark and his team at Fundamental Films.”
While Fundamental Films might not be a household name in the United States, it has quickly become one of the biggest film companies in China. The company, which was established just eight years ago, recently acquired a 28% stake inLuc Besson’s EuropaCorp, and it will distribute the filmmaker’s new sci-fi thrillerValerian and the City of a Thousand Planetsin China this year. Here’s what Fundamental Films' CEOMark Gaohad to say in his statement.
“Rob Liefeld’s unique characters are in great hands withGrahamand {Akiva{. We could not be more excited to see them bring the entire Extreme Universe to theaters and fans around the globe.”
Rob Liefeld’s other comic creations includeX-Force, which has been in development for quite some time at 20th Century Fox, and he also created the iconic character Cable, who will be seen in the highly-anticipated 20th Century Fox sequelDeadpool 2. There is no U.S. distribution deal in place for theExtreme Universemovies yet, but perhaps the producers will get the writers room in place before finding a studio home. Hopefully we’ll have more on this new superhero movie universe in the near future.
