French graphic novelist’s sci-fi tetralogy adaptation, ‘Monster,’ promises to immerse viewers with a fusion of live-action and stylized CG inspired by the author’s artistic style.
Trioscope has announced the adaptation of “Le Sommeil du monstre,” the first installment of renowned award-winning French graphic novelist Enki Bilal’s sci-fi “Monstre” tetralogy. The studio will collaborate with the legendary author and illustrator on what is touted as his most personal work, introducing TV viewers to the complex world Bilal created in the series Monster.
The series will transport viewers into a futuristic world. The protagonist, Nike Hatzfeld, has the unique ability to recall every memory since the day he was born. Using this gift, he tries to make sense of his orphaned past to survive the chaotic and savage present. His story intertwines with parentless Leyla and Amir, born just days apart from him in the same orphanage bed amidst the bombs of Sarajevo in 1993 during the Yugoslav Wars. Considered expendable and manipulated by a radical organization that’s trying to eradicate science and truth from the world, the trio’s lives split into divergent paths before they reunite once more.
The best-selling “Monstre” (“Hatzfeld”) tetralogy is considered one of Bilal’s most iconic works, with the second book in the series printing more than 280,000 copies. The series was published in French over nine years, from 1998-2007.
Inspired by the author’s artistic style, Trioscope will enhance the story with a fusion of live-action performances and stylized CG environments to provide viewers with an immersive, graphic-novel experience. Bilal (director: Immortal and Tykho Moon) serves as executive producer, with Trioscope’s chief creative officer and co-founder, Greg Jonkajtys (Netflix’s WWII series The Liberator), serving as executive producer and director. In addition, Frédéric Puech serves as executive producer for French animation studio Something Big, which is producing alongside Trioscope Europe.
“Enki is a true master at creating darkly rich and provocative worlds,” commented Jonkajtys. “We’re honored by the opportunity for our tech platform and creative team to help bring Monstre to life as a stylized live-action series that not only will captivate a broad TV audience but also offer fans of the book an immersive new way to experience Enki’s beloved masterpiece.”
“‘Le Sommeil du monstre’ has always held a special place in my heart, and the complexities of the narrative and the imaginative nature of the world have always made adaptation difficult,” noted Bilal. “When Greg shared his vision and personal passion for the story, along with the possibilities the Trioscope technology offers, I finally could see a way to bring this story to the screen.”
Source: Trioscope
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
