Pierre Spengler, one of the first three SUPERMAN films, will return to comicbook inspired films with a 12-picture deal drawn from titles in the catalog of French graphic novel publisher Humanoides Associes, according to the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.
The first will be the live-action film I AM LEGION, adapted from the World War II political intrigue written by Fabien Nury and illustrated by U.S. graphic artist John Cassaday.
Spengler's company, Clubdeal Ltd., will produce the films, whike he is talks with a U.S. distributor to release all 12 films in the U.S.
"That will be the basis for the U.S.-based hedge fund to get involved," Spengler said. He already has secured $20 million in private equity, which will provide a 20% equity investment in each project.
Spengler acquired Humanoides two years ago, which he has since ceased control of its properties, only retaining the audiovisual rights to the publisher's catalog of some 400 titles.
The London-based producer has formed CTF Agency (Comic to Film Agency) to represent and develop film rights on the titles, which includes titles from such artists as Moebius, Jacques Tardi, Xavier Dorison and Butch Guice.
English translations of Humanoides' major titles have been distributed in the U.S. through D.C. Comics since 2004. Spengler plans to promote the film project at next weeks Comic-Con.
Set in 1942, LEGION tells of a diabolical attempt by the Nazis to develop a new weapon through controlling people's minds. Cassaday will direct. Nury has penned the screenplay. Budgeted at about $15 million depending on cast, the film is set to start shooting early next year in Croatia. Spengler will produce along with former Humanoides president Fabrice Giger.
Other titles in the initial film lineup include an adaptation of the META-BARONS series written by Alexandro Jodorowsky; THE HORDE, a future-set fantasy about a Russian dictator who models himself on Genghis Khan; Mexican wrestling story LUCHA LIBRE; the vampire love story FRAGILE; and an animation adaptation of the series THE ZOMBIE THAT ATE THE WORLD.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
