Deadpool Creator Rob Liefeld Signs Netflix Deal

Deadline reports that Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld has signed a new seven-figure deal with Netflix to bring his Extreme Universe to the service. Akiva Goldsman will set up and oversee a writers’ room for a series of films set using the Extreme Universe characters. Goldsman, Liefeld and Brooklyn Weaver will produce, with Weed Road’s Greg Lessans executive producing. This follows the deal Liefeld made for Avengelyne for Paramount, which he will direct.

The new deal will give Netflix its own cinematic universe to play with. Extreme Universe features six comic books and over fifty characters, including Brigade, Bloodstrike, Cybrid, Re-Gex, Bloodwulf and Kaboom. An earlier deal between Liefeld, producer Graham King and Fundamental Films was made, but it didn’t work out and Netflix stepped in. The Extreme Universe characters are written in a similar style to Deadpool.

Netflix feature film chief executive Scott Stuber said: “Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Universe features gritty stories and distinctive characters. Akiva’s creative voice has been behind some of the largest movie franchises, making him uniquely capable of helping bring these superheroes from the Extreme Universe to life for Netflix.”

Goldsman added: “Rob is a unique and innovative talent who knows how to combine hard-edged comic book action with real emotionality. Netflix has the ambition, reach, and dedication to bring his universe to life.”

Liefeld said: “Netflix has become a part of every day existence for me and my children. Their programming is the most dynamic and diverse I have seen. I am beyond thrilled and inspired to be bringing my Extreme catalogue to life with the creative wizards at Netflix. What Akiva Goldsman has achieved with his craft and storytelling across all mediums in our industray is of absolute benefit for my Extreme characters. He is an absolute comic book fanatic and working with him on adapting Extreme Universe has been electric. His stellar work on Star Trek Discovery has wowed the fandom and trust me when I say that the Teen Titans show he is producing is going to blow fans away. I cannot wait to show the world what we have in store.“