The Umbrella Academy

[Gabe99]

From Newsarama Dec 23, 2008:
Gerard Way: Umbrella Academy on the Big Screen

Yesterday, we spoke with Gerard Way about the comic book version of The Umbrella Academy.

But comics aren’t the only media exposure coming up. Since the property began its life at Dark Horse, The Umbrella Academy has caught the attention of Universal Studios and been fast-tracked as an up-and-coming comics to film adaptation. Scott Bernstein, who helped shepherd Hellboy from comics to screen is attached (which has Way thrilled), and as Way told Newsarama, the project is moving along very quickly. In fact, if you’re reading this today (December 23rd), Way’s having (or had, depending on your time zone) a meeting at Universal about the latest developments.

From Variety Apr. 7, 2009:
Universal to make 'Academy' film

Universal Pictures is planning to make "Umbrella Academy" the first project to come out of its three-year production pact with Dark Horse Comics.


Mark Bomback, who wrote Disney's "Race to Witch Mountain," has been tapped to pen the adaptation of the book series, created by Gerard Way, the lead singer of band My Chemical Romance.

"Umbrella Academy," which bowed in 2007 and spawned a second series, revolves around a disbanded group of seven superheroes who reunite after the death of their adoptive father, an alien disguised as a famous entrepreneur, and carry out his plan to save the world.

Mike Richardson, founder and prexy of Dark Horse, will produce "Umbrella" alongside Scott Stuber through his U-based Stuber Prods. Pamela Abdy will oversee the project for the shingle and serve as a producer. Way will serve as exec producer.

U senior VP of production Scott Bernstein and creative exec Dave Targan will oversee the project for the studio.

Dark Horse is the third largest comicbook publisher, behind Marvel and DC, and has run a successful film and TV division since 1992, producing such pics as "The Mask," "Hellboy," "Alien vs. Predator," "Sin City" and "300" at various studios. All the pics were based on Dark Horse books.

Company's "Hellboy: The Golden Army" was released by U last year, and production helped cement the exclusive partnership between the two companies that now gives the studio access to all of Dark Horse's storylines and characters.

At the same time, deal essentially guarantees Dark Horse distribution for its film and TV projects. In addition to having titles produced by U, Dark Horse can self-finance projects that the studio will release.

Bomback also penned Fox's "Live Free or Die Hard" and "Unstoppable," the runaway train actioner that Tony Scott recently boarded to direct.

From THR Apr 07, 2009:
'Constantine' writer adapting 'Umbrella' comic

Mark Bomback is getting out his parasol for "The Umbrella Academy."

The scribe has been tapped to adapt the Dark Horse comic created by My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way and set up at Universal. Dark Horse's Mike Richardson is producing.

The Umbrella Academy is a group of disbanded superheroes who reunite after the death of their adoptive father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves, an alien disguised as a wealthy entrepreneur. Hargreeves collected the members of the group shortly after their birth and trained them to save the world, and after his death, they carry on his plan.

The comic first came out as a six-issue miniseries in 2007, winning an Eisner Award to the surprise of many. A second miniseries is being published.

Bomback's writing credits include the DC Comics adaptation "Constantine," "Live Free or Die Hard" and "Race to Witch Mountain." Repped by Endeavor and Anonymous Content, the scribe is working on "Jack the Giant Killer" at New Line.

From Deadline 07/25/2011:
Rawson Thurber To Rewrite 'The Umbrella Academy' For Universal

Dodgeball director Rawson Thurber is rewriting The Umbrella Academy for Universal Pictures, based on the 2008 Eisner Award-winning Dark Horse comic written by My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way. Mark Bomback wrote the first draft.

The comic revolves around an adopted dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers who are brought together by a mentor. As children, they defeat the Eiffel Tower when it’s turned into a laser-spewing structure by a zombie robot. In later installments of the comic, the kids disband but reunite as adults after their mentor is killed.

It’s the second Dark Horse property at Universal, which will begin production on RIPD in September. Dark Horse’s Mike Richardson will produce with Scott Stuber and his Stuber Films banner. Pam Abdy will oversee the project for Stuber and also produce, and the author is executive producer. Thurber’s repped by CAA.

 

[Erik Lensherr]

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Looks good, plus Ellen Page in something!!!!