Universal Cable Productions (UCP) along with Benderspink (“We’re The Millers”, “Ride Along”) continue to make their mark in the ever popular sci-fi, superhero genre. UCP and Benderspink are developing the comic book “Dreadstar” into a scripted series with iconic comic artist and creator Jim Starlin (“Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Captain Marvel” and the “Infinity Gauntlet” Trilogy) who will serve as executive producer and writer. Ford Gilmore is also signed on to produce. The announcement was made today by Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development at UCP.
“Jim Starlin’s cosmic space opera is a great read and it’s time for Vanth Dreadstar to make his television debut,” said Olmstead. “UCP and Benderspink believe this series will galvanize existing ‘Dreadstar’ comic followers and ignite a new generation of fans especially with Jim at the helm”.
“Dreadstar” is based on the classic character from the Marvel-owned Epic Comics imprint and centers on Vanth Dreadstar, sole survivor of the entire Milky Way galaxy, and an ensemble cast of crewmates, including cyborg sorcerer Syzygy Darklock, and their struggle to end an ancient war between two powerful, evil empires: The Church of The Instrumentality, run by the Lord Papal; and the Monarchy, administered by King Gregzor.
“I consider ‘Dreadstar’ to be an extension of my family, so it took me a while to feel comfortable letting anyone else take care of this project,” said Jim Starlin. “It has taken some time, but I know I’ve put my trust in the right team and I’m excited to collaborate with Universal Cable Productions and Benderspink to bring ‘Dreadstar’s’ unique brand of chaos to television.”
Jim Starlin has been a leading creative force in the comic book industry for over four decades. He has worked on iconic characters ranging from Iron Man and Batman to The Avengers and the Justice League. Outside of comics, Jim has written four prose novels with Diana Graziunas, “Among Madmen”, “Lady El”, “Pawns”, and “Thinning the Predators”.
In addition to collaborating on “Dreadstar”, Universal Cable Productions and Benderspink are working with Evan Dougherty (“Divergent,” “Snow White and the Huntsmen”) to develop the stylish, pulpy adventure “Five Ghosts” by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham for Syfy network. Other projects in development at UCP include the horror comic book “Night Mary” with IDW Entertainment created by Rick Remender and Kieron Dwyer, and an untitled project with best-selling graphic novelist Warren Ellis.
