Per Deadline, writer/director Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) has signed on to helm the feature adaptation of Alejandro Jodorowsky and Mœbius’ bestselling graphic novel, The Incal, for Humanoids and Primer Entertainment.
The screenplay for The Incal will be co-written by Waititi alongside his frequent collaborator Jemaine Clement (What We Do in the Shadows, Flight of the Conchords) and Peter Warren (Ghost Team, The History of Us).
The Incal is a space opera that follows P.I. John Difool, who happens upon a mystical artifact known as the Incal—an object of great power coveted by many factions across the galaxy. As Difool learns of the Incal’s powers and purpose, he—along with a ragtag crew of unlikely cohorts—reluctantly embarks on what begins as an improbable mission to save the universe, and slowly becomes a spiritual journey examining the duality and meaning of existence.
“The films and graphic novels of Alejandro Jodorowsky have influenced me and so many others for so long,” Waititi said in a statement. “I was stunned to be given the opportunity to bring his iconic characters to life and I am grateful to Alejandro, Fabrice and everyone at Humanoids for trusting me to do so.”
“When Humanoids’ CEO Fabrice Giger introduced me to Taika Waititi’s work, it became obvious to me that he was the one,” added Jodorowsky. “I fully trust Taika’s creativity to give The Incal a stunning take, intimate and at the same time of cosmic proportions.”
Waititi currently has his hands in several other projects including awaiting the release of his sports drama Next Goal Wins as well as working on his new Marvel movie Thor: Love and Thunder and serving as executive producer on Reservation Dogs and What We Do In The Shadows. He is set to star as Blackbeard in the upcoming HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death, is directing a new feature film in the Star Wars franchise and is also developing a Flash Gordon movie.
