Geek movie and TV news is pouring in, and we round it up here.
The CW has given an update on new series in development. Naomi, which got a pilot order earlier this year (see "The CW Orders ‘Naomi,’ ‘Powerpuff Girls’"), is now going to series, Variety reports. The DC-based series is developed by Ava Duvernay and Jill Blankenship, and will star Kaci Walfall.
Other new geek series were not as lucky. The network ordered a pilot for Powerpuff Girls at the same time as the Naomi pilot, but now wants to rework it with the same cast and team and film a new pilot, according to the report. Tom Swift, introduced in an episode of Nancy Drew, remains in development; while the Black Lightning spinoff series Painkiller (see "’Black Lightning’ Ending") is not.
Henry Cavill is in talks to play a leading role in an upcoming reboot of Highlander, according to Deadline. The new Lionsgate feature will be directed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski and written by Kerry Williamson. Stahelski has been attached to the project since 2016 (see "’Highlander’").
The long-gestating Batgirl feature has found directors in Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who directed Bad Boys for Life, according to Hollywood Reporter. Christina Hodson was assigned to write back in 2018 (see "’Batgirl’ Finds Woman Screenwriter"). Originally planned for theatrical release, Batgirl is now headed to HBO Max.
Adam Wingard will direct Hardcore, based on the Image comic created by Robert Kirkman and Mark Silvestri, according to Variety. Wingard just had a big hit with Godzilla vs. Kong, which is having a successful theatrical run despite Covid restrictions. The film will be based on an outline by Kirkman, adapted by Wingard and Will Simmons.