The Incal: Taika Waititi to Helm Movie Adaptation of Graphic Novel

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The Incal: Taika Waititi to Helm Movie Adaptation of Graphic Novel

Oscar winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, What We Do in the Shadows, Thor: Ragnarok) has revealed he will be directing the movie adaptation of the graphic novel The Incal, created by writer Alejandro Jodorowsky and originally illustrated by Jean Giraud (also known as Moebius).

Waititi will also pen the adaptation, collaborating with Jemaine Clement (What We Do in the Shadows, Flight of the Conchords) and Peter Warren.

“The films and graphic novels of Alejandro Jodorowsky have influenced me and so many others for so long. I was stunned to be given the opportunity to bring his iconic characters to life,” said Waititi (via Variety).

Originally published in the 1980s, The Incal became the “highest-selling science fiction graphic novel in history” according to the outlet, and served as the foundation of the “Jodoverse,” Jodorowsky’s fictional universe encompassing his science fiction comics.

“It began as the adventures of a jackass named John Difool, and then it became something else — we called it The Incal — something that has transformed everything it’s ever touched and continues to do so: its creators, the other artists who later became a part of John’s journey, its publisher Humanoids and myself in the process, countless readers, writers and directors around the world, and soon, I believe, the great Taika Waititi himself and everyone who looks to him for inspiration,” said Humanoids CEO Fabrice Giger.

The graphic novel series centers on private investigator John Difool. In The Incal, John Difool “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 teams with a ragtag crew on a mission to save the universe,” reads the outlet’s description.

Jodorowsky, who was reportedly introduced to Waititi’s work by Giger, said: “I fully trust Taika’s creativity to give The Incal a stunning take, intimate and at the same time of cosmic proportions.”

The movie will be produced by Humanoids and Primer Entertainment.