Umbrella Academy Graphic Novels Being Adapted for Netflix

Netflix is prepping a live-action series based on The Umbrella Academy comics and graphic novels created and written by Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and illustrated by Gabriel Bá.

The live-action series follows the estranged members of a dysfunctional family of superheroes as they work together to solve their father’s mysterious death while coming apart at the seams due to their divergent personalities and abilities. Way’s graphic novels are published by Dark Horse Comics, and the series will be produced by Universal Cable Productions along with Dark Horse Entertainment. The adaptation is expected to hit Netflix in 2018.

Way commented: “I am thrilled that The Umbrella Academy has found a home at Netflix. I couldn’t think of a better place for the vision Gabriel Bá and myself had when creating the comic, and cannot wait for people to experience that world as a live-action show.”

“What drew us to The Umbrella Academy is that it’s wholly unique, visual and stylized,” said Cindy Holland, the VP of original content for Netflix. “These aren’t the usual superheroes, and this series will embrace the singular tone of the graphic novels—dark yet humorous, supernatural yet grounded in reality. We’re excited to see this world and introduce these unforgettable heroes to Netflix members around the globe.”

“It’s a thrill to be producing this wonderful show for Netflix,” said Jeff Wachtel, the chief content officer at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and president of Universal Cable Productions. “It’s been a passion project for the UCP development crew and we can’t wait to bring it to life.”