The battle between the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Cinematic Universe (DCCU) is getting a tad interesting right now because the battle no longer revolves around Marvel and DC. Some of the fans’ and the critics’ favourite superheroes from another comic universe are also coming to the big screen after Valiant Entertainment announced its plans to launch its own cinematic universe.
That’s right, everyone. It seems like our future is going to be dominated by tonnes of superhero movies.
Founded in 1989, Valiant Comics is the brainchild of former Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter and former Marvel Comics writer/editor Bob Layton. The company was sold in 1994 to video game developer Acclaim Entertainment, but Acclaim went bankrupt in 2004. The company was later restarted as Valiant Entertainment in 2005 by entrepreneurs Dinesh Shamdasani and Jason Kothari before former Marvel CEO and Vice Chairman, Peter Cuneo came on board in 2011 as Valiant’s Chairman and an investor in the company.
According to a report by the New York Times, Valiant Entertainment announced that Beijing-based DMG Entertainment is partnering with the independent comic book publisher to create various feature films and television series over the next few years. The Chinese media powerhouse made a 9-figure investment in Valiant for feature-film financing, as well as publishing, television, and licencing opportunities.
Bloodshot / Source: Comic Vine
In an official statement, DMG CEO Dan Mintz said:
Comic superheroes are profitable and highly sought intellectual properties for film franchises. So taking a stake in the last independent massive comic universe is a strategic investment for DMG that will produce movies and TV that are both appealing and relevant to a global audience.
Ever since Valiant Entertainment resumed the publication of its comic line in 2012, several leaked reports revealed that the company has begun developing their characters for their future cinematic universe. It was later formally announced that the company secured a 9-figure investment with Sony Pictures to produce a feature film based on its famed comic book, “Bloodshot”.
Shadowman / Source: Comic Book Critic
Sony’s Columbia Pictures and Neal Moritz’s Original Film (of “Fast and Furious” fame) acquired the rights to make the “Bloodshot” movie, a deal that came out of the purchase of a spec script by Jeff Wadlow (writer/director of “Kick-Ass 2″). Shamdasani and Kothari will produce, but no director was attached to helm the project yet. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” director Matthew Vaughn was previously linked to direct, but he is no longer involved in the production.
Several other projects are currently in development as well, including 2 different feature films based on “Shadowman” and “Archer & Armstrong”. Produced by Sean Daniel Company (of “The Mummy” and “Dazed and Confused” fame), “Shadowman” is set to be written by J. Michael Straczynski (of “Thor” fame) while “Archer & Armstrong” will be written by Ben David Grabinski. Daniel will produce the movie alongside Shamdasani and Jason Brown.
Archer & Armstrong
These comic book heroes might not be household names, but the announcement elicited excitement from fans of the comic book series. Not to mention, the investment allows both companies to develop films for release in the United States and China, as well as new projects targeted at the Asian market. The characters will be introduced to the new audiences in China and the Asia-Pacific region through “Chinese-language publishing, animation and theme parks, as well as toys and apparel”.
What do you think of the announcement? Are you excited for the Valiant Cinematic Universe? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
(Source: Comicbook.com and New York Times / Featured image)