SDCC 2010: Astro City Snapped Up by Working Title Films

SDCC 2010: Astro City Snapped Up by Working Title Films

Astro City being developed by Working Title Films

Astro City created by Busiek with artists Brent Anderson and Alex Ross, tells the story of life among the superheroes. While Samaritan, Winged Victory, the Hanged Man and Jack-in-the-Box patrol the skies, protect a city and uphold justice, the 'normal' people have to cope with a life surrounded by danger and wonder, their lives interacting with those of the heroes above.

Winner of twenty Eisner and Harvey Awards since its debut in 1995, the series has long been considered one of the standouts of the comics field, praised for its compelling, nuanced perspective on the superhero genre, illuminating the humanity and inner lives of both the superheroes and the people they protect.

Busiek has worked on a wide variety of comics in his career, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and his own original series Arrowsmith, The Liberty Project, The Wizard's Tale and Superstar: As Seen on TV. In 2003, Busiek launched a hit revival of Conan for Dark Horse Comics. In 2005, Busiek entered a four-year exclusive deal with DC Comics, writing top characters including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and others. Currently, he continues writing "Astro City," while working with Alex Ross on a new revival of artist Jack Kirby's concepts and launching his own new urban-fantasy series The Witchlands.

"I'm thrilled to be doing 'Astro City' with Working Title Films," said Busiek. "For years, we turned down all offers for the book, but Working Title's track record on great movies like 'Love Actually, 'Oh Brother, Where Are Thou?' and 'Shaun of the Dead,' and their commitment to high-quality, character-driven storytelling, make me confident that this is the perfect place to make an 'Astro City' film a reality."

Busiek is writing a treatment and will also serve as executive producer along with Ben Barenholtz (Requiem for a Dream) and Jonathan Alpers.

Sources: Working Title Films