Netflix announced Monday that it has acquired Millarworld, the comic book publishing company founded by “Kick-Ass” and “Kingsman” creator Mark Millar.
This is the first acquisition by the streaming giant. The terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.
Millarworld is a creator-owned line that holds the rights to the U.K. writer’s 18 yet-to-be-optioned properties such as “Jupiter’s Legacy” and “MPH” — as well as any stories and characters that Millarworld will create in the future.
Millar creations such as “Kingsman,” “Wanted” and “Kick-Ass” that have already been optioned for film are not included in the deal.
The company is run by Millar — who’s responsible for stories such as Old Man Logan, which inspired the X-Men film “Logan,” and the arc that inspired the first “Avengers” film — and his wife, Lucy.
“We’d all had success at DC and Marvel, but this was a chance to control the characters created and reap the rewards from any future movies, TV or merchandise that ever came from those characters and books,” Millar wrote on his website, comparing the deal to joining the Justice League. “To say this is the best thing that ever happened in our professional lives would be an understatement.”
“As creator and re-inventor of some of the most memorable stories and characters in recent history, ranging from Marvel’s The Avengers to Millarworld’s Kick-Ass, Kingsman, Wanted and Reborn franchises, Mark is as close as you can get to a modern day Stan Lee,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement. “We can’t wait to harness the creative power of Millarworld to Netflix and start a new era in global storytelling.”
“This is only the third time in history a major comic book company has been purchased at this level,” Millar continued, comparing the deal to Warner Bros. buying DC Comics in 1968 and Disney buying Marvel in 2009. “I’m so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans. Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn’t have a better home.”