Netflix has announced purchasing comic book publisher Millarworld, bringing titles such as Kingsman, Jupiter’s Legacy, Kick-Ass, and Reborn under the umbrella of the streaming giant. With the acquisition, Netflix plans to create shows, kid’s series and films based on stories and characters from the publisher, as well as develop new characters and stories under the Netflix label.
Three comic books published by Millarworld have already turned into films grossing over $900M at the global box office. Those movies and franchises include Wanted (2008) starring Angelina Jolie, Kick-Ass (2010) and Kick-Ass-2 (2013), Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), and the soon-to-released Kingsman: The Golden Circle (Sept. 22).
In a statement today, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos compared Millar to comic book legend Stan Lee: “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.”
“Netflix is the future and we couldn’t be more thrilled to sell the business to them and buckle up for all the amazing movies and television shows we plan to do together. This feels like joining the Justice League and I can’t wait to start working with them,” Millar said on his website.
Other current titles under the Millarworld label include Chrononauts, Empress, Huck, MPH, and Nemesis among other printed stories that may have a second life on screen.
This will be the first major company acquisition by Netflix. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
