Creating the John Wick series has opened the door for Derek Kolstad to tackle several other big name franchises. Now, he’s adding another bit of familiar IP to his work slate. According to Collider, Kolstad is developing a TV adaptation of Battle Chasers, based on the comic of the same name.
Writer and artist Joe Madureira launched Battle Chasers through WildStorm’s Cliffhanger imprint in 1998. However, it later moved over to Image starting in 2001. The story followed a group of heroes who defended their arcanepunk world from an array of supernatural threats. Their team consisted of Gully, a young girl searching for her missing father using his pair of magical gloves; Red Monika, a bounty hunter; Garrison, a swordsman still reeling from his wife’s death; Calibretto, a war golem; and Knolan, a wizard.
Madureira published nine issues of Battle Chasers before abruptly putting the series on hold in 2001. Back in April, he announced that three new issues would hit stores in 2022 and give the story a proper conclusion. In other words, Kolstad’s series couldn’t be coming at a better time. But given his busy schedule, it might be a while before he can actually start working on it. Earlier this year, eOne hired him to write a new Dungeons & Dragons TV series. Kolstad’s upcoming slate also includes a film based on the manga series Hellsing as well as new TV adaptations of at least three hit video game franchises: Hitman, Just Cause, and Splinter Cell.
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In addition to writing Battle Chasers, Kolstad will also executive produce the series alongside Alcon Entertainment co-founders Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove and Alcon Television Group’s Ben Roberts. Luckily, Roberts happens to be a fan of the original comic book, so the project sounds like it’s in good hands.
“I could not be more excited to bring Battle Chasers to the world in this way,” said Roberts. “I connected deeply to this material 20 years ago when I first picked up Joe’s comic book. And so to be part of bringing this exciting material to a new audience is thrilling to say the least.”
“As a huge fan of John Wick, you can imagine my excitement when Adrian and Derek reached out about turning Battle Chasers into a show.” said Madureira in his own statement, “It’s not something I ever thought could happen, and I’m blown away to have this opportunity with so many talented folks, including Alcon and Zoic, behind it. Everyone involved seems to genuinely love the series, so I know it’s going to be great.”
Are you excited to see what Kolstad brings to Battle Chasers? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Battle Chasers Anthology
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