Back in 2019, Dark Horse Entertainment signed a first-look deal with Netflix that expanded upon the success of The Umbrella Academy. Now, that deal has led to a new adaptation of Matt Wagner’s long-running comic book series, Grendel. Netflix has announced that Grendel will be a live-action series with an eight-episode first season. Additionally, Abubakr Ali has been cast as Hunter Rose, the first Grendel introduced in the comic.
Wagner created Grendel in 1982, and he chronicled Hunter’s rise to power in the criminal underworld. Following the conclusion of Hunter’s story, the Grendel identity passed to other characters. However, the new series will focus on Hunter, “a gifted fencer, writer and assassin.” While “seeking to avenge the death of a lost love. He goes to war with New York’s criminal underworld, only to realize…why beat them, when you can join them?”
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Netflix also shared a statement from Wagner about the show.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled about the Grendel saga, one of the longest-running independent comics series, finally being translated into live-action for the screen,” wrote Wagner. “I’m especially excited to see Abubakr Ali bring the character of Grendel/Hunter Rose to life — he has the charisma, style and vital edginess that I’ve been envisioning in the role for years.”
Julian Black Antelope will co-star in the series as Argent, with Madeline Zima as Liz Sparks, Kevin Corrigan as Barry Palumbo, and Emma Ho as Stacy Palumbo. Erik Palladino will play Teddy Ciccone, alongside Brittany Allen as Annabelle Wright, and Andy Mientus as Larry Stohler.
Andrew Dabb (Supernatural) is writing and showrunning Grendel. With a cast already in place, the series may begin filming in late 2021 or in early 2022.
Are you excited to see Grendel in live-action? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Grendel Omnibus Volume 1: Hunter Rose
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