In a press release, the streaming service revealed that it struck a deal with Mark Millar to buy his company, Millarworld, the banner behind stories featured in action flicks including "Kingsman: The Secret Service" and "Kick-Ass." Netflix now has the exclusive right to produce movies, TV series, and children's programming based on the brand's existing -- and future -- portfolio. ("Kingsman" and "Kick-Ass," however, are not part of the deal, according to Millar.)
Netflix called the acquisition "a natural progression" of its ongoing quest "to work directly with prolific and skilled creators and to acquire intellectual property and ownership of stories featuring compelling characters and timeless, interwoven fictional worlds."
"I'm so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans," Millar said in his own statement. "Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn't have a better home."
Dreams were how we got started. http://pic.twitter.com/5w2DOVykji
— Netflix US (@netflix) August 7, 2017
And we'll make those dreams a reality. https://t.co/c68Jp3o8ak
— Mark Millar (@mrmarkmillar) August 7, 2017
Millar made his name working at Marvel, contributing to modern comic storylines that inspired arcs represented in big-name big screen features including "The Avengers," "Captain America: Civil War," and "Logan." Original titles under his Millarworld umbrella include "Wanted" (turned into a 2008 feature starring Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy), "American Jesus," "Huck," "Jupiter's Legacy," "Reborn," "Superior," and "Empress."
"Mark has created a next-generation comics universe, full of indelible characters living in situations people around the world can identify easily with," said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement. "We look forward to creating new Netflix Originals from several existing franchises as well as new super-hero, anti-hero, fantasy, sci-fi and horror stories Mark and his team will continue to create and publish."
[via: Netflix]