Key Takeaways
• Steven Paul secures a deal with Paramount Pictures for an adaptation of Atlas Comics’ character, Devilina.
• The comic book character is anticipated to kick off an Atlas Comics cinematic universe with Paramount.
• The project involves significant personnel, including Scott Karol, Jason Goodman, and director of development Conor O’Farrell.
Strap in, comic book fans – there’s some exciting news stirring in the world of superhero cinema. The company that later became Marvel, originally founded by Martin Goodman as Timely Comics and then Atlas Comics, is poised to make a big comeback on the silver screen. This time, Goodman’s other creation, Atlas Comics, a.k.a. Atlas/Seaboard Comics, is getting ready to establish its cinematic universe at Paramount Pictures, starting with a live-action adaptation of Devilina.
Meet Devilina, the Chosen One
Who’s Devilina, you ask? Well, this comic book character has a rather intriguing backstory. She begins as a sheltered young lady who ventures to New York chasing her past, only to unearth that she is the sister of Satan. Yep, you read that right. Plus, her twin brother has been messing with her behind-the-scenes while a detective hunts a series of murders that connect back to her. Sounds intense, right? The Devilina comic first made its debut in 1975, introducing characters that ultimately shaped the interconnected Atlas universe, including significant figures like Lomax, Grim Ghost, and Phoenix.
Atlas’ Comics Universe on the Horizon
“From the start, the Atlas Comics library was designed as an interconnected universe with Devilina serving as its introduction. We’re committed to preserving this fundamental vision of Atlas and ensuring audiences can dive fully into these dynamic characters and narratives,” shared Steven Paul, who’s presently at Atlas Comics’ helm. Paul is enthusiastic about the potential this project holds and his commitment to secure Atlas’ proprietary vision is unwavering.
Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group EVP, Jon Gonda, mirrors Paul’s enthusiasm, noting the golden age of Atlas Comics as a breeding ground for some of the greatest comic book creators of all time. Gonda assures fans of the wealth of stories waiting to be told and beloved characters ready to come to life.
The Devilina Silk Road
So, where does Paramount Pictures come into all of this? Their role is crucial. Paramount was behind the first four films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before distribution rights shifted to Disney. With their experience and success, Paramount makes a fitting place for Atlas Comics to launch their cinematic universe.
Now, here’s the cool part: The Devilina movie is being produced by Steven Paul. Key execs include Scott Karol, President of SP Media Group, and Jason Goodman, Martin Goodman’s grandson. Even Conor O’Farrell, SP Media Group’s development director, is joining the project. SP Media has even confirmed a co-financing and production deal with Paramount Pictures, with Devilina as the starting point. In case you didn’t know, Paul has also produced two Marvel-based movies: Ghost Rider and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
As for the Devilina screenplay, it’s in the capable hands of Rebecca Webb, whose revenge comedy script ‘Divorce Party’ gained recognition a few years back and is now placed with Cate Blanchett’s production company, Dirty Films.
Now, we pose you a question: what’s your take on Atlas Comics’ venture to launch a cinematic universe starting with Devilina? Feel free to drop in your thoughts in the comments! This sure promises to be an exciting ride.
