Get ready, fans! A television series based on the iconic 'V for Vendetta' is in development at HBO, promising a fresh take on the dystopian classic. This news comes exclusively from Variety, sparking excitement and anticipation among fans of the original comic and the 2005 film adaptation.
The series is set to be written by Pete Jackson, with James Gunn and Peter Safran of DC Studios taking on executive producer roles, alongside Ben Stephenson via Poison Pen and Leanne Klein of Wall to Wall Media. Warner Bros. Television will be the production company behind the project. HBO and DC Studios have chosen to remain tight-lipped about the details, while Jackson's representatives have yet to comment.
The original 'V for Vendetta' began as a comic serial penned by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd, making its debut in 1982 within the British anthology 'Warrior.' DC later took over publication in 1988.
For those unfamiliar, the story plunges into a dystopian Britain of the not-so-distant future, ruled by the oppressive Norsefire party. The narrative follows V, an anarchist with a distinctive Guy Fawkes mask, as he fights to overthrow the government. He finds an unlikely ally in Evey Hammond, a young woman he rescues from the clutches of the country's secret police.
Could this series become another HBO hit? It's certainly possible, given HBO's track record with DC adaptations. The network has already hosted the drama 'The Penguin,' starring Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti, which followed the events of Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' and garnered a whopping nine Emmy Awards, including an award for Milioti.
HBO has more DC content on the horizon, including the drama series 'Lanterns,' starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, slated for an early 2026 premiere. Furthermore, HBO previously aired the critically acclaimed drama 'Watchmen,' a sequel to the original graphic novel by Moore and Dave Gibbons.
Jackson, the writer of the upcoming series, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He penned the Channel 4 series 'Somewhere Boy' in 2022, earning a BAFTA TV Award nomination for writing. He's also the writer behind the upcoming Sky Atlantic series 'The Death of Bunny Munro,' based on Nick Cave's novel, starring Matt Smith.
Now, here's a blast from the past: The original 'V for Vendetta' was adapted into a feature film in 2005, starring Hugo Weaving as V and Natalie Portman as Evey. The film, directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, received positive reviews and grossed over $130 million worldwide. Its popularity endures, with Warner Bros. planning a theatrical re-release in November 2026 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
But here's where it gets controversial... Channel 4 previously attempted to develop a 'V for Vendetta' TV series, but it never materialized. The HBO Max/Epix DC series 'Pennyworth,' which explored the life of Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred in 1960s London, was also intended as a prequel to 'V for Vendetta,' but it was canceled after three seasons before the storyline could be fully developed.
What do you think? Are you excited about an HBO series based on 'V for Vendetta'? Do you think it can live up to the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
