According to reports from downthetubes.net via Variety, a TV show based on Bryan Talbot’s much loved masterwork, Luther Arkwright is currently in the works. Three Rivers, the production company behind Trackers, has optioned the rights to develop, finance and produce a multi-season series based on The Adventures of Luther Arkwright and it’s sequel, Heart of the Empire.
The comics began life in 1970’s and 1980s, partly as an anti-establishment protest against the rising far-right in the UK and are considered to be some the most important comics in the medium. They’re set in multiverse with parallel version history existing side by side and have a distinct steampunk meets sci-fi satire feel. Talbot created a psychic secret agent in Arkwright who battles ‘The Disruptors’ - a group who manipulate humanity throughout history. Arkwright is aided by Rose Wylde a fellow agent and telepath who has the ability to communicate with her other selves across universes.
Johnathan Drake, CEO of Three River Studios will produce the series, with Talbot serving as Executive producer. Drake said of the project: “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 film makers. It thrills, challenges readers, and makes you think.” He adds: “Luther’s unique status as a traveller between parallel realities and his saviour-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.”
“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,” Tabot said. He is currently working on a new instalment of Arkwright’s saga, “The Legend of Luther Arkwright,” due in 2022. The comics have been previously adapted into an audio drama starring David Tenant.
We’ll have more on Luther Arkwright as it develops.