Netflix is swinging a mighty axe into the fantasy genre with a new series that promises to be as bloody as it is hilarious. The streaming giant has officially ordered a live-action adaptation of the cult comic book Barbaric, from X-Men: First Class co-writer Sheldon Turner. Described as Game of Thrones meets Deadpool, the show is already generating buzz for its unique blend of brutal fantasy and dark comedy.
The series is based on the comic created by writer Michael Moreci (Star Wars) and artist Nathan C. Gooden (Vampire: The Masquerade), originally published by Vault Comics. The story follows Owen the Barbarian, a hulking, axe-wielding brute who is cursed to use his formidable strength only for good. Accompanied by his talking, alcoholic axe, Owen roams a primeval world, compelled to perform heroic deeds—or face dire consequences.
This isn't the first time Barbaric has been eyed for the screen. The property was previously in development at Netflix as a feature film, with Sam Claflin attached to star and Patrick Stewart set to voice the talking axe. Michael Bay was also attached to direct. While it's unclear if Claflin or Stewart will still be involved in the series, Claflin is confirmed as an executive producer through his Soft Claw Productions banner.
Turner will serve as showrunner alongside Robert Rovner (Supergirl). The executive producing team also includes Luke Carroll for Soft Claw Productions, Michael Stevenson, Turner and Jennifer Klein via 100% Productions, Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson for A+E Studios, Rovner, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, F.J. DeSanto, and Damian Wassel for Vault Comics.
For fans of dark fantasy, this series joins a growing list of must-watch shows. If you're looking for more gritty, supernatural storytelling, check out our list of Forgotten Gems: 7 Dark Fantasy Movies That Deserve More Love. And for those who prefer their fantasy with a side of anime, don't miss our exclusive look at Disney's anime-inspired soccer fantasy.
Claflin has been keeping busy on screen as well. He recently headlined the Harlan Coben miniseries Lazarus and starred in the thriller All the Devils Are Here with Eddie Marsan. Earlier this year, he appeared in the MGM+ thriller miniseries Vanished alongside Kaley Cuoco. This holiday season, he'll play Fred, Scrooge's nephew, in Ti West's Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, starring opposite Johnny Depp and Rupert Grint. He is also set to star in F.A.S.T., an action thriller directed by Ben Richardson and penned by Taylor Sheridan, as well as the drama The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes with Niamh Algar and Colm Meaney.
With its pedigree and premise, Barbaric is shaping up to be one of Netflix's most anticipated fantasy series. As the streaming service continues to expand its genre offerings, this show could be the next big hit for fans of sword-and-sorcery with a twist. For more on the best fantasy content available, check out our ranking of The 25 Best Fantasy Video Games of All Time.
