Legendary comics author Frank Miller is set to create, write and executive produce a six-episode live-action series adaptation of Hugo Pratt’s “Corto Maltese” adventure graphic novels.
In the comics, Corto Maltese is an enigmatic sea captain of English/Spanish heritage who lives in the first three decades of the 20th century. His adventures see him cross paths with real historical characters, from Butch Cassidy to Jack London to the Red Baron.
The comics, penned between 1905-1925, are highly praised as some of the most artistic and literary graphic novels ever written. Miller will develop the series in partnership with StudioCanal and Canal+. In a statement, Miller says:
“I first discovered Corto Maltese reading the books at Forbidden Planet in New York as a young man. Then on my travels, I studied and discovered an edition at a newsstand in Rome.
The artwork was so expressive and so bold that it leapt off the newsprint. It swept me away. It was full of magic and romantic adventure. Maltese is a rascal who could talk to the Gods. To me it showed off the power of the comic, where language is not much of a barrier. I have been a Corto Maltese fan ever since.
This is the hero’s journey in its most classic form, and I couldn’t be more honored to help bring into this series the romanticism, heroism, and underlying mysticism of Pratt’s creation.”
Miller, Silenn Thomas and Jemma Rodgers will executive produce, while the legend that is Phil Tippett will oversee visual effects on the adaptation.
Source: Screen
