Last week we wrote about how comic book writer Brian K. Vaughan’s classic comic series Y: The Last Man was picking up momentum for a theatrical adaption. Now, another one of Vaughan’s creations looks to finally hit the big screen. This time, it’s Runaways, the award-winning Marvel comic book about a group of dysfunctional teenagers who find out their parents are a cabal of super villains.
A mish-mash of aliens, magicians, scientists, time travelers, mutants and criminal kingpins, the cabal go by the name The Pride and will stop at nothing to track down their children after they run away.
Runaways is one of the best super hero comics to appear on the shelves in the last ten years and now, according to Deadline Hollywood, Marvel Studios is in talk with Peter Sollett to direct the film adaptation.
Sollett has previously directed the films Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist and Raising Victor Vargas. Last year it was announced that Vaughan would be write the script based on his own comic book. Vaughan has previously written for the show Lost and has several screenplays in development at various studios.
Before you get too excited, though, there is a slight wrinkle. Access Hollywood is reporting that Sollett is not the only director Marvel Studios is talking to. The site reports that Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the filmmaker recently tipped to be a possible director for The Avengers, is also in talks to direct Runaways.
The Buzz: Runaways is one of those no-brainer comic book adaptations that, with the proper amount of care and consideration, could become a major hit for Marvel Studios. The perfect bridge between Disney tween programming and super hero action, Runaways has runaway hit written all over it. Take the wit and charm of Scott Pilgrim, a story steeped in the Marvel Universe and some of the best teenage dialogue this side of Degrassi and you’ve got Runaways. Either Sollett or Whedon would make excellent choices to direct the film — hopefully with a scrip that is still written by Vaughan.
Sound Off: Which director do you prefer take a crack at Runaways? Is there another filmmaker you’d prefer to see helm the ship? What about cast? Who do you see playing the team?
