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Netflix Signs ‘Umbrella Academy’ Showrunner Steve Blackman to Overall Deal in the Mid 8-Figures

Will continue as boss of Dark Horse comic adaptation while developing other projects

Tim Baysinger | February 28, 2020 @ 9:00 AM
Steve Blackman

Rich Fury/Getty Images

Netflix has signed “Umbrella Academy” showrunner Steve Blackman to a multi-year overall deal.

Blackman’s deal is for four years in the mid-eight figure range, a person with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap. We’ll save you the counting on your fingers, that would be in the tens of millions with something like a five in front, so around $50 million.

Under the deal, Blackman and his production company, Borderline Entertainment, will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix while continuing his work as showrunner and executive producer on “The Umbrella Academy.” Blackman will be growing Borderline for Netflix and bringing on a development executive in the coming months.

Also Read: 'Umbrella Academy' Adds 3 Series Regulars for Season 2

Season 2 of the Dark Horse comic adaptation will premiere this year.

“Over the past three years working with Netflix, I have developed and created shows with different genres,” Blackman said. “I plan on continuing to develop creative programming that spans a wide variety of worlds and formats. Netflix has offered me an unparalleled level of creative support that motivates me each and every day.”

In addition to his credits as a writer, producer and showrunner on television shows such as “The Outsiders,” “Private Practice,” “NYPD Blue” and “Legion,” Blackman won the 2016 WGA Outstanding Writing Adapted Long Form in 2016 for “Fargo.” 

“Steve’s phenomenal work on ‘The Umbrella Academy’ helped propel the series’ worldwide fandom,” said Brian Wright, vice president of YA/Family original series for Netflix. “He’s deeply creative, passionate and thoughtful, and we’re so excited to have him make a home at Netflix.”

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