Per a Hollywood Reporter exclusive, Viola Davis will produce a film version of the fantasy series The Untamed. Sebastian A. Jones, who wrote the comic, will direct the movie, which takes place in the Medieval African-inspired world of Asunda, and follows a man known only as the Stranger, who has seven days to avenge the murder of his wife and child. However, his encounter with the young orphan Niobe means his quest for revenge may become a path to redemption instead.
Davis and co-producer Julius Tennon said in a statement, “When Sebastian shared this incredible narrative with us over ten years ago, we knew then that the inclusive fantasy world of Asunda would resonate with audiences on a global scale. We believe that everyone is ready for a hero like Niobe, a badass Black woman whom Sebastian has brilliantly crafted to storm the world.”
Jones adds, “My goal has always been to create a poetic and cinematic drama wrapped up in a badass vengeance tale with the world at stake. For the setting, imagine the mood of a Spaghetti Western or a Kurosawa epic set in a beautiful and dangerous fantasy landscape.” This is not the first time he and Davis have worked together, as the award-winning actress previously provided a foreword to the collection of the spin-off Niobe: She is Life in 2017.
Created by Jones, Peter Bergting, and Darrell May in 2011, The Untamed: A Sinner’s Prayer (to give it its full title) was the first of various titles in the Asunda universe, published by Jones, May, and Joshua Cozine‘s company Stranger Comics. Prior to this, a TV version was put into development at HBO with Jones as co-writer and executive producer, and while that version didn’t materialize, it did put Jones into contact with Prentice Penny, with whom he subsequently partnered with to launch the company Payback Entertainment.
Not mentioned in the report was whether Amandla Stenberg, who co-wrote the Niobe comics and lent them their likeness, would be involved in the movie. The actor, who most recently starred in The Acolyte, will be heard next in the new Laika movie Wildwood (out October 23), and appear alongside Davis in the Children of Blood and Bone movie (releasing January 15, 2027.) Other producers attached at the time of writing include Simon Swart (Boys Kills World), and BOOM! Studios co-founder Andrew Cosby (Eureka) of Homeworld Entertainment.
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