Netflix has its next big action franchise: an adaptation of Keanu Reeves’ new BRZRKR the comic book series, which transforms the streaming service into both a live-action movie (produced and starring Reeves) and a sequel anime series (with Reeves expressing his character), the company announced today.
BRZRKR is a new series of 12 editions of Boom Studios (the first edition of which was released earlier in March) co-written by Reeves himself (in his comic strip) and Matt Kindt (Folklords, Justice League of America) with art by Ron Garney. It is fitting that Reeves will play the title character in the upcoming live-action series and the anime, although no release date has been announced yet.
The ultra-violent cartoon follows an immortal berserker – who happens to look almost exactly like Keanu – during his 80,000-year life, which culminates in the current day, where he works for the US government in exchange for help discovering the secrets of his life. and how he may eventually die. (This is a similar concept to Netflix The Old Guard, which is also based on a popular series of comics and is considered another possible franchise for the streaming service.)
Exciting news! Netflix is developing a live action movie AND sequel anime series based on Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR, a brutal epic saga about an immortal warrior’s 80,000-year battle over the centuries. Reeves will produce and star in the film, and play the anime. pic.twitter.com/RVWEuBCXTJ
– NX (@NXOnNetflix) 22 March 2021
BRZRKR was a huge success for crowdfunding (helped in part by Reeves’ involvement), which raised nearly $ 2 million between Kickstarter and additional funding before the first issue even hit the shelves. The series has sold more than 615,000 copies so far, making it the next comic strip in the past decade (following Marvel’s Star Wars # 1 restarted in 2015.)
The upcoming adaptation fits perfectly with Netflix’s current strategy: the streaming service is always looking for more must-watch content, and especially for the types of shows and movies that franchises can build against those of Disney’s Marvel or Star Wars of HBO Max’s Game of Thrones universes. The multimedia method for the project is also part of Netflix’s modern approach, which reflects animated extensions of projects such as The Witcher of Zack Snyder’s upcoming Army of the Dead which is planned to attract viewers even after the exhibition or film has started.
It’s also the highest profile of Netflix’s recent first look agreement with Boom Studios, giving the streaming service the first chance to customize comics from the indie publisher.