HBO is developing a new live-action adaptation of the iconic dystopian story, V for Vendetta, with James Gunn and Peter Safran of DC Studios serving as executive producers. The project, reported recently, also involves Pete Jackson as the lead writer and will be produced by Warner Bros. Television Studios UK.
This new series aims to revive the gripping tale set in a totalitarian Britain, exploring themes of rebellion and political resistance through the story’s main characters.
Creative Team and Production Details
Joining Gunn and Safran on the production are Ben Stephenson of Poison Pen and Leanne Klein from Wall to Wall Media, a Warner Bros. Television division. Warner Bros. Television will oversee the series production, continuing their collaboration with HBO on this significant new project.
The Origin and Storyline of V for Vendetta
Originally written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd, the V for Vendetta comic first appeared in 1982 within the British anthology Warrior. DC Comics later took over publishing in 1988. The story is set during a dystopian period in Britain, ruled by the fascist Norsefire party. The central figure, known only as V and distinguished by his Guy Fawkes mask, leads a resistance movement against the oppressive regime with assistance from Evey Hammond, a young woman he rescues.
HBO’s Growing DC Universe and Connections to Alan Moore’s Works
If greenlit, this series would join HBO’s expanding slate of DC-based shows, following the success of The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti, which won nine Emmy Awards. HBO is also preparing Lanterns, featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, set to premiere in early 2026.
HBO’s previous experience with Alan Moore’s creations includes the acclaimed 2019 Watchmen series, a sequel to Moore and Dave Gibbons’ original graphic novel that was both critically acclaimed and popular with audiences.
Writer Pete Jackson’s Background
Writer Pete Jackson brings considerable experience to the V for Vendetta series. He was nominated for a BAFTA for his work on Channel 4’s 2022 series Somewhere Boy and is also involved with The Death of Bunny Munro, an upcoming Sky Atlantic series starring Matt Smith, based on the novel by Nick Cave.
Past Adaptations and Legacy of V for Vendetta
The story’s previous adaptation came in the form of the 2005 film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis. The movie starred Hugo Weaving as V and Natalie Portman as Evey, receiving strong reviews and earning over $130 million worldwide. Nearly twenty years later, the film remains a cult favorite, with Warner Bros. planning a theatrical re-release in November 2026 to mark its 20th anniversary.
Attempts to bring V for Vendetta to television were made previously by Channel 4, but those efforts did not progress. HBO’s new series presents an opportunity to explore the story’s rich political and philosophical themes in a serialized format that the film medium could not fully accommodate.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead
With James Gunn and DC Studios involved, the HBO V for Vendetta series has the potential to reintroduce the dystopian narrative to a broad audience, expanding on its complex social commentary. This project could establish another notable addition to HBO’s catalog of high-profile, character-driven adaptations from graphic novels and comics, continuing the network’s trend of thoughtful and provocative storytelling.
