Netflix Secures Rights to Brian Michael Bendis’ Graphic Novel ‘Torso’

Netflix has secured the rights to adapt the graphic novel Torso, a true crime story by Brian Michael Bendis. The streaming giant won a competitive bidding war, reportedly closing a deal worth over $1 million. This adaptation promises to bring to life the intriguing narrative surrounding Elliot Ness, a key figure in the investigation of a series of gruesome murders that shocked Cleveland in the late 1930s.

Under the production guidance of Zach Cregger, known for his successful horror films such as Weapons and Barbarian, the project is expected to attract significant attention. While no director or lead writer is currently attached to the film, Cregger’s involvement positions it as a noteworthy endeavor in the horror genre. Producers Alex Hedlund and Nick Antosca, through their company Eat the Cat, have a strong track record with true crime narratives, including acclaimed projects like Candy and A Friend of the Family.

The Story Behind ‘Torso’ and Its Graphic Novel Roots

Originally published in 1998 by Image Comics, Torso is based on the real-life investigations of the Cleveland Torso Murders, a series of killings that left the police baffled. The graphic novel captures Ness’s efforts after his fame in taking down notorious gangster Al Capone. Following his move to Cleveland, he became embroiled in the chilling hunt for a killer who left dismembered bodies in the Cuyahoga River. This dark chapter of history is further enriched by Bendis’s access to original case files, which included photographs, testimonies, and notes left by Ness himself.

Bendis, along with co-writer Marc Andreyko, is also set to serve as an executive producer for the film, ensuring that the adaptation remains faithful to the graphic novel’s gripping narrative. The original story was inspired by Bendis’s discovery of case files provided by his newspaper editor, which detailed the horrifying events and evidence surrounding the murders.

A Long-Awaited Adaptation with High Expectations

Since 2013, various names have been linked to different adaptations of Torso. Directors David Lowery, Paul Greengrass, and David Fincher were all rumored to be involved at different points, while Matt Damon was considered for a potential role in the cast. Multiple scripts were reportedly penned by writers such as Ehren Kruger and Brian Helgeland.

Cregger’s track record in the horror genre, particularly with the recent success of Weapons, makes his production role particularly promising. His upcoming project related to Resident Evil also adds to the anticipation surrounding Torso. Fans of the graphic novel and true crime stories alike can look forward to seeing how this adaptation unfolds on screen.

As excitement builds for the film’s development, audiences are encouraged to share their thoughts and predictions regarding the casting and direction of this highly anticipated project. The adaptation of Torso not only revives interest in a pivotal moment of crime history but also highlights the enduring popularity of Bendis’s work in the graphic novel format.