Netflix has made its first foray into international content production.
Is purchased Millarworld, the comic book publisher behind characters and stories including Kick-Ass, Kingsman, and Old Man Logan.
It plans to develop a series of character franchises that will run through films, series and kids shows on the Netflix platform.
Millarworld is run by Mark Millar and his wife Lucy. Mark is acknowledged as one of the most consistent hitmakers in the graphic novel and comics world.
“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. “We can’t wait to harness the creative power of Millarworld to Netflix and start a new era in global storytelling.”
Netflix is harnessing the current Hollywood enthusiasm for the superhero genre. By purchasing the company behind a number of hits – even if the company’s owner left behind some of the rights with his previous employer – Netflix will be looking to secure exclusive rights and a batcave full of subscribers.