Mark Millar discusses the revival of superheroes in his upcoming project ‘The Chosen One’: ‘It will make a triumphant return’

Renowned Scottish comic writer and producer Mark Millar, often referred to as the “new real deal” in the industry, has left an indelible mark on both DC and Marvel comics. His inspiring storylines have contributed to blockbuster movies such as “Avengers,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and “Logan.” Moreover, Millar’s own original works, like “Kick-Ass” and “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” have been successfully adapted into hit films. In his latest venture with Netflix, “The Chosen One” serves as Millar’s third show for the streaming giant, following “Super Crooks” and “Jupiter’s Legacy.” This series, based on the graphic novel trilogy “American Jesus,” which Millar co-wrote with Peter Gross, revolves around a young boy named Jodie (played by Bobby Luhnow), living in Mexico and being raised by a single mother (portrayed by Dianna Agron). After surviving a freak accident, Jodie begins exhibiting Jesus-like abilities, such as turning water into wine and healing the sick.

“The Chosen One” is a project that has been in the making since 2004, and Millar sheds light on the reason for the delay in its adaptation. “I was quite fortunate. My first attempt, ‘Wanted,’ was quickly picked up as a film in 2008, featuring Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy,” Millar explains in an interview with The Post. “As for ‘American Jesus,’ it was my second attempt. Because ‘Wanted’ garnered significant attention, I suddenly had numerous producers approaching me to adapt my works into movies. Although I was thrilled, I am meticulous when it comes to adaptations because I have a deep appreciation for the original source material. Consequently, I declined every offer for 15 years as none of the proposals did justice to the books. There was even a ridiculous suggestion to turn it into a romantic story like ‘Twilight’! I’m glad I had the patience to wait.”

Millar expresses his distaste for being pigeonholed into a specific genre, recalling how he was initially known for his family-friendly works and then swiftly transitioned to producing dark and violent content. Seeking to break free from expectations, he desired to create something thoughtful without any action. “As soon as people think they have me figured out, I relish the idea of doing something entirely different.”

Having a deep understanding of the superhero industry, Millar shares his observations on its current state, highlighting the underwhelming performance of movies such as “The Flash.” He remarks, “Prior to 1999, these movies generally weren’t very good. They were often made by individuals who lacked understanding or passion for the material. Two notable exceptions were Richard Donner with ‘Superman’ and Tim Burton with ‘Batman.’ However, in 1999, Marvel cracked the code and made these films exceptional. It wasn’t just the advancement of technology; it was also the filmmakers treating the material with utmost respect and dignity. The genre reached its peak in 2019 with ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ which I believe was the last truly outstanding superhero film.”

Despite his criticism, Millar remains optimistic about the future of the genre. He predicts a comeback, stating that these movies have generated too much revenue to fail. Millar has discussed the massive course correction being planned by DC and Marvel, emphasizing the importance of bringing in voices with unique perspectives. He believes that the initial success of superhero directors was linked to their previous achievements in the entertainment industry, and to revive the genre, unexpected choices must be made rather than simply hiring directors on a contractual basis.

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