Netflix lands 'Deadpool' creator's comic universe
And it reportedly paid top dollar for it, too.
Netflix is pushing hard to stay relevant in the comic-based movie business, especially after Disney announced plans to shun the streaming service and make its own. Now, just a few months after Netflix's big acquisition of Mark Millar's comic publisher, Millarworld, the streaming company has landed a big splashy deal for Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld's Extreme Universe set of comic book characters.
According to Deadline, the rights deal is seven-figures, and will allow producer Akiva Goldsman (Batman & Robin, I Am Legend, A Beautiful Mind) to oversee the planning and writing of several movies based on the comics universe for Netflix. The deal covers six Extreme Universe books and include more than 50 characters, all of which tend to the edgy, extreme style of comic character Deadpool. The deal gives Netflix quite a leg up in the world of comic book IP, of course, with high-profile names attached to it.
"Rob Liefeld's Extreme Universe features gritty stories and distinctive characters," said Netflix's Scott Stuber in a statement to Deadline. "Akiva's creative voice has been behind some of the largest movie franchises, making him uniquely capable of helping bring these superheroes from the Extreme Universe to life for Netflix."
