ROGUE TROOPER Comic Adaptation Now In Development From ‘Warcraft’, ‘Mute’ Director
Upon hinting his next venture, director Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code, Warcraft, Mute) left little to the imagination at the top of the week with eyes of comic book fans observing. He tweeted a video with a coded V.O. while wearing a blue Mohawk indicating he was going to adapt the hit 2000 AD comic book franchise, Rogue Trooper, and as such, he made it official a few days later with word of the film’s devlopment.
Rogue Trooper is one of the greatest characters to come out of 2000 AD, which also publishes characters such as Judge Dredd, Nemesis the Warlock, and Strontium Dog. Created by Gerry Finley-Day and Dave Gibbons, Rogue Trooper is a genetically-engineered soldier bred to fight on Nu-Earth, a hellish planet consumed by an endless war between the Norts and the Southers. The sole survivor of a massacre that claimed his fellow GIs, Rogue sets out on a mission to find the traitor who betrayed them – the personalities of three dead comrades plugged into his helmet, backpack, and rifle.
The film’s official title, cast and start date remain unknown. Jones, who is described in the announcement as “one of a generation of leading British film directors who have been inspired by the satirical, anti-establishment and hyper-violent comic strips in 2000 AD” is producing the film under his shared Liberty Films banner with Stuart Fenegan in a joint partnership with Rebellion, the Oxford-based games publishers and owners of 2000 AD whose independently-produced cult-claimed DNA/IM Global/Reliance- adaptated 2012 feature, Dredd was given honorary mention in Jones’ video.
“For years now, I have felt a sting as Marvel and DC have poured out their entire comic roster into film. Wonderful for their fans, but every new release I silently scream “Where’s all the 2000 AD?!” I’m so excited to finally be able to right that wrong and bring Finley-Day and Gibbons’ Rogue Trooper, a seminal British spun war yarn, to the big screen!” said Jones.
Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion, said: “Rogue Trooper has always been one of my favourite old school thrills from 2000 AD. I’m very happy to be working closely with Duncan and Stuart on this project and look forward to seeing the results on the silver screen.”
Chris Kingsley, Co-founder and CTO of Rebellion, said: “The first time I met Duncan he had a Mohawk – I’m tickled pink to see he’s now brought it back with a full-on Nu blue. It shows his unique level of commitment and passion for Rogue Trooper, and that’s why we’re so excited to be working with him and his legions.”
Fenegan said: “Eat leaden death Nort scum!”
Fenegan and Rebellion’s Jason Kingsley negotiated the deal. Jason Kingsley and Chris Kingsley will executive produce.
Native New Yorker. Lover of all things pizza, chocolate, pets, and good friends. Karaoke hero. Left of center. Survivor. Fond supporter of cult, obscure and independent cinema - especially fond of Asian movies and global action cinema. Author of the bi-weekly Hit List. Founder and editor of Film Combat Syndicate. Still, very much, only human.
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