FX Network and Marvel Studios are prepping up to begin a partnership by producing two live-action TV programs derived from the X-Men comics for the 2016-2017 season.
Teaming up with Marvel, the network is set to develop a drama series titled ‘Hellfire,’ which follows the story of a young FBI special agent who finds out about a megalomaniac woman who possesses extraordinary abilities and is working with a secret society of millionaires who call themselves the The Hellfire Club in an attempt to rule the world in the 1960s.
"We are thrilled to partner with Marvel to bring this world to television and build upon the vibrant mythology that has captivated fans for years," Fox Entertainment President David Madden said in an official statement.
He further explained about how the characters in the upcoming shows will be “complicated” yet powerful and are incorporated in a remarkable storyline.
“The pace and visual imagination are unrelenting, and the story takes place during one of the most explosive eras in recent history. We are so looking forward to working with this incredibly talented team,” Madden explained.
Although the exact characters from the widely popular X-Men series that will be featured in the upcoming TV series are yet to be confirmed, Madden mentioned that a few well-loved characters will make special appearances together with new characters created for the series.
In addition, FX and Marvel are also collaborating on the TV series titled ‘Legion,’ which tracks follows the story of the long-lost son of Professor X, one of the lead characters from the X-Men.
David Haller, who will be the main character, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, but comes to realize that his multiple personalities can only be associated with his special mutant powers.
The new X-men spinoff will be produced by Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Jeph Loeb, Jim Chory, John Cameron and Noah Hawley. Hawley, who previously worked on the critically acclaimed ‘Fargo’ series with John Cameron, will pen the pilot.
"’Legion’ is just the sort of ambitious story that Hawley excels at," FX program chief Nick Grad shared. "Hawley's adaptation of Fargo for television was one of the most acclaimed television events in recent memory. It's also an honour to partner with Marvel on Legion and to enlist such an accomplished team of Executive Producers to create this pilot."
Such TV series negotiations mark the first time that Marvel has looked into the possibility of producing TV programs based on its comics.
Fox and Marvel have worked together in the past to produce the highly popular ‘X-Men’ movie franchises, which feature Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry and Jennifer Lawrence.
