Sam Claflin and Patrick Stewart have been tapped to star in Netflix’s Barbaric TV adaptation, based on the best-selling Vault comics of the same name. Renowned filmmaker Michael Bay is in talks to direct the project.
Barbaric would serve as Bay’s TV directorial debut should the project move forward. The Barbaric comic, co-created by writer Michael Moreci and artist Nathan Gooden, debuted in 2021 to positive reviews. Meanwhile, the planned series is written by Sheldon Turner.
What is the Barbaric TV adaptation about?
Claflin will star as Owen, a barbarian cursed to be righteous for the rest of his life. He is joined by his talking axe friend (set to be voiced by Stewart), who will accompany him on his quest to do the right thing amidst the chaos.
Per the official synopsis, Barbaric revolves around Owen the Barbarian, who “has been cursed to do good with what remains of his life. His bloodthirsty weapon, Axe, has become his moral compass with a drinking problem. Together they wander the realm, foredoomed to help any who seek assistance. But there is one thing Owen hates more than a life with rules: Witches.”
In addition to starring, Claflin will also executive produce the project through Cusp Films alongside Luke Carroll and Michael Stevenson. Additional executive producers include 100% Productions’ Turner and Jennifer Klein; Vault Comics’ F.J. DeSanto and Damian Wassel; and A+E Studios’ Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson.
Claflin is known for his starring roles in Snow White and the Huntsman, The Hunger Games franchise, Me Before You, Peaky Blinders, Enola Holmes, Daisy Jones & the Six, and more. He can next be seen as Edmond Dantès in the upcoming series adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Patrick Stewart is known for his roles in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, among a handful of others. He will next be seen starring as Professor X once again in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine feature.
(Source: Deadline)
