‘Barbaric’: Netflix Orders Series Adaptation of Medieval Fantasy Comic!!

Cleaving its way from the comics page, a new fantasy series is staking its claim on streaming territory. Netflix has acquired a new series from X-Men: First Class co-writer Sheldon Turner. It’s described as “Game of Thrones meets Deadpool.”

According to reports, Netflix will produce a new live-action series based on the comic book Barbaric; created by writer Michael Moreci (Star Wars) and artist Nathan C. Gooden (Vampire: The Masquerade). Published by Vault Comics, the comic tells the tale of Owen the Barbarian, a violent axe-wielding brute. However, as the book opens, he’s cursed to only use his deadly skills and strengths to do good. And so he wanders his primeval world, with his talking, alcoholic axe as his only companion, compelled to do good…or else. The property was previously in development at Netflix as a feature: Sam Claflin was attached to star with Patrick Stewart as the voice of his talking axe, while Michael Bay was set to direct. There’s no word if Claflin will still star in the series, or if Stewart and/or Bay are still attached to the project. However, Claflin will at least have a role behind the scenes, as he is attached to the project as an executive producer.

Where Can Sam Claflin Be Seen Next?

Last year, Claflin headlined the Harlan Coben miniseries Lazarus, and starred in the thrillerAll the Devils Are Herewith Eddie Marsan. Earlier this year, Claflin starred in the MGM+ thriller miniseries Vanished alongside Kaley Cuoco. This holiday season, he’ll star in Ti West‘s Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, alongside Johnny Depp and Rupert Grint; Claflin will play Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. He is also set to star in F.A.S.T., an action thriller directed by Ben Richardson in his feature debut, and penned by frequent collaborator and TV hitmaker Taylor Sheridan. He will also star in the drama The Last Days Of Rabbit Hayes with Niamh Algar and Colm Meaney.

Turner will showrun the series with Robert Rovner (Supergirl). Claflin will executive produce the series with Luke Carroll for Soft Claw Productions, alongside Michael Stevenson, Turner and Jennifer Klein via 100% Productions, Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson for A+E Studios, Rovner, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, F.J. DeSanto and Damian Wassel for Vault Comics.