Ava DuVernay Adding Another DC Adaptation, This Time For HBO Max

Could this be the first of many announced projects between Ava DuVernay and WarnerMedia? Given their recent mega-deal, I think so. She will be joined by producer Roberto Patino for an adaptation of the DC/Vertigo series DMZ.

So, what is it about? Here is a synopsis straight from DC Comics:

“In the near future, America’s worst nightmare has come true. With military adventurism overseas bogging down the Army and National Guard, the U.S. government mistakenly neglects the very real threat of anti-establishment militias scattered across the 50 states. Like a sleeping giant, Middle America rises up and violently pushes its way to the shining seas, coming to a standstill at the line in the sand — Manhattan or, as the world now knows it, the DMZ.Matty Roth, a naïve young man and aspiring photojournalist, lands a dream gig following a veteran war journalist into the heart of the DMZ. Things soon go terribly wrong, and Matty finds himself lost and alone in a world he’s only seen on television. There, he is faced with a choice: try to find a way off the island, or make his career with an assignment most journalists would kill for. But can he survive in a war zone long enough to report the truth?”

The series was created by writer Brian Wood and artist Riccardo Burchielli. It began in 2005 and ran for 72 issues. According to THR, the pilot should start filming in early 2020. I would think that means casting announcements should be coming soon. DuVernay is also hard at work on the New Gods movie with Tom King.

The Vertigo imprint may be gone, but certainly not forgotten with all of the coming adaptations. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Photo Credit: DC Comics/Warner Bros.