“Deadpool & Wolverine” Writer to Pen New “Buck Rogers” Adaptation for Legendary
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Legendary Entertainment has tapped Zeb Wells, the co-writer of the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine,” to write the latest draft of a film based on the classic science fiction hero Buck Rogers. The project aims to revitalize the iconic character for a modern audience.
A Legacy of Space Adventure
The adaptation will be based on the 1928 novella “Armageddon 2419 A.D.” by Philip Francis Nowlan, the story that first introduced Buck Rogers to the world. The narrative follows a coal mine inspector who awakens after 500 years in suspended animation to find himself embroiled in a galactic conflict.
Buck Rogers first burst onto the scene in the 1930s, developed by Chicago newspaperman John F. Dille. The character quickly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions of readers with its futuristic vision. The comic strip, often described as “Rip Van Winkle in the future,” pioneered many of the tropes now commonplace in science fiction – including ray guns, rocket ships, jet packs, and laser beams.
The strip’s influence extended beyond entertainment, impacting the design of attractions at the World’s Fair and even inspiring elements of Tomorrowland in Disneyland. In 1939, the character’s popularity led to a successful 12-part serial starring Buster Crabbe, further cementing Buck Rogers’ place in American pop culture. For a generation, Buck Rogers was as recognizable as cultural icons like Tarzan and Mickey Mouse.
From Comic Strips to the Small Screen and Beyond
Buck Rogers’ success also spurred one of the earliest examples of character licensing, with toys, clothing, and bedding becoming popular items for decades. The character experienced a resurgence in the late 1970s, inspired by the success of “Star Wars.” Universal developed a television pilot starring Gil Gerard, which aired for two seasons on NBC between September 1979 and April 1981. The pilot episode was even released as a theatrical film prior to the series premiere.
Legendary’s New Vision
Mary Parent and Cale Boyter will oversee the project for Legendary. Wells, an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and director, brings a diverse background to the adaptation. He is best known for the animated comedy series “Robot Chicken” and has recently focused on comic book writing for Marvel, including the limited series “Marvel Zombies,” released in September. He is represented by Verve.
According to a company release, Legendary declined to comment further on the project’s development.
The revival of Buck Rogers signals a continued interest in classic science fiction properties, and with a writer as versatile as Zeb Wells at the helm, the future looks bright for this swashbuckling space hero.
