After the massive success ofDeadpoolat the box office two years ago, creator Rob Liefeld is bringing hisExtreme Universecomics to Netflix in a major deal.Netflixhas paid seven-figures for the rights to these graphic novels, bringing in Akiva Goldsman to oversee a new writers' room, much like how he did for theTransformersfranchise and the TV seriesOlogy. This writers room will create ideas for a series of feature films based on Liefeld’s graphic novels, that will all be connected to one another.
Akiva Goldsman coming on to help craft theExtreme Universeis no coincidence. The writer came aboard to write and direct theRob LiefeldadaptationAvengelyneback in 2016, which is in development at Paramount Pictures. Liefeld had previously struck a deal for theExtreme Universewith producer Graham King and Fundamental Films, but when that fell apart, Netflix stepped up with a new deal. Here’s what Netflix’s feature film chief Scott Stuber had to say in a statement about theExtreme Universe.
“Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Universe featuresgritty stories and distinctive characters. Akiva’s creative voice has been behind some of the largest movie franchises, making him uniquely capable of helping bring these superheroes from theExtreme Universeto life for Netflix.”
TheExtreme Universeis comprised of six different comic book series that feature over 50 characters, including Brigade, Bloodstrike, Cybrid, Re-Gex, Bloodwulf and Kaboom. While most of the major superhero titles have their rights already locked up, this deal gives Netflix a dearth of new characters to create a massive universe around for a sprawling cinematic sandbox. Here’s what Akiva Goldsman had to say about Rob Liefeld’s work and the Netflix deal.
“Rob is a unique and innovative talent who knows how to combinehard-edged comic book actionwith real emotionality. Netflix has the ambition, reach, and dedication to bring his universe to life.”
There is no indication yet as to which comic in theExtreme Universemay be the focus of the first movie in this cinematic universe. Liefeld got started at the age of 18 by writing for both Marvel and DC, before he left to co-found Image Comics in the early 1990s, writing under Image’s Extreme Studios banner. Under this banner, he created comic series such asYoungblood, Bloodstruck, Glory, Prophet and Avengelyne. Here’s what Rob Liefeld himself had to say in a statement.
“Netflix has become a part of every day existence for me and my children. 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. He is an absolute comic book fanatic and working with him on adaptingExtreme Universehas been electric. His stellar work onStar Trek Discoveryhas wowed the fandom and trust me when I say that theTeen Titansshow he is producing is going to blow fans away. I cannot wait to show the world what we have in store.”
This new report fromDeadlinereveals that Netflix has been eager to create more IP ever since their original movieBrightwas such a big hit, which spawned an upcoming sequel that the streaming service recently ordered. There is no indication who will be brought on to the writers room for theExtreme Universefranchise quite yet. Netflix has yet to release a production schedule for this new series of movies, and no directors have been attached at this time.
