The Adventures of Luther Arkwright Optioned for TV

Three River Studios has optioned the rights to develop, finance and produce a live-action series based on the graphic novels The Adventures of Luther Arkwright and its sequel Heart of Empire.

The graphic novels weave an apocalyptic tale across a multiverse in which many alternate versions of history exist parallel to one another. Psychic secret agent Luther Arkwright has the ability to move between these ‘parallels’ to fight the malign influence of the Disruptors, who have manipulated humanity throughout history. He is aided by Rose Wylde, a telepath who can communicate with her many alternative selves across the multiverse.

Previously, the graphic novels were adapted into an audio play, which starred David Tennant.

The series is being produced by Jonathan Drake, CEO of Three River Studios. Bryan Talbot, author of The Adventures of Luther Arkwright and Heart of Empire, is on board as an executive producer.

Jonathan Drake, CEO of Three River Studios, said: “Bryan Talbot’s work is everything science fiction should be. He stands at the very beginning of a tradition that gave us the likes of Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis—his works were then, and remain now, cutting edge. The best sci-fi always says something meaningful about the world or asks new questions about it. The Adventures of Luther Arkwright is unique for its time in being aimed squarely at adult readers, with a rich and sophisticated visual style that echoes some of the great auteur filmmakers. It thrills, challenges readers, and makes you think. Luther’s unique status as a traveler between parallel realities and his savior-like qualities might liken him to Doctor Who—but an R-rated version, that doesn’t shy away from sex, politics and the grim realities of violence. Bryan’s parallel worlds are woven together with a complex and consistent mythology, a rich array of human characters (never monster of the week!) and an eye for a much grander story and purpose.”

Talbot added: “I’m very excited that Three River Studios is working on a TV adaptation of the Luther Arkwright stories. With the digital technology at their disposal and a genuine love of the original, I’m very much looking forward to the series.”