Nia DaCosta Eyes Gritty Live-Action Invincible Movie

Despite mixed reactions to her work on The Marvels, filmmaker Nia DaCosta remains deeply passionate about superhero stories and is now setting her sights on adapting the intense comic series Invincible into a live-action movie. DaCosta revealed her enthusiasm during a Q&A on Sony Pictures’ Reddit channel while promoting her horror sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, expressing a strong desire to bring Invincible’s world to the big screen.

She emphasized that she has a clear vision for translating Invincible’s complex characters and gritty tone, which aligns with her filmmaking style focused on emotional depth and realism.

Why Invincible Appeals to DaCosta

DaCosta described the appeal of Invincible’s narrative in detail, highlighting the story’s emotional core and unique approach to the superhero genre.

“The comic and cartoon are amazing. I know exactly how I’d want to translate that world, and that amazing father/son relationship, to screen. I also just love the idea of making something in a superhero world that has some real grit and viscera – and sex!”

—Nia DaCosta, Filmmaker

This focus on a raw, visceral portrayal within a superhero setting signals DaCosta’s intention to explore themes beyond typical comic adaptations, offering a more mature and intense interpretation.

Background on Invincible’s Story and Creators

Invincible is the brainchild of Robert Kirkman, renowned for creating The Walking Dead. The storyline centers on Mark Grayson, a teenager whose father, Omni-Man, is the most powerful superhero on Earth. The relationship between Mark and Omni-Man drives much of the series’ dramatic tension, evolving from a classic superhero origin into a dark, emotionally charged saga.

Nia DaCosta
Image of: Nia DaCosta

The animated adaptation, starring Steven Yeun as the voice of Mark Grayson and J.K. Simmons as Omni-Man, has released three seasons on Prime Video, with a fourth season confirmed for March 2026. The show has earned acclaim for its brutal and unsettling take on superhero mythology.

Development History of a Live-Action Invincible Project

Interest in a live-action Invincible movie is not new. In 2017, producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg announced plans to develop a film adaptation, but progress has largely stalled and updates have been scarce. Despite this, the idea remains alive among fans and creators alike.

During this period, Steven Yeun, the voice of Mark in the animated series, was asked about starring in a live-action version. He responded candidly about his age, stating:

“Well, I am 40.”

—Steven Yeun, Actor

When the possibility of portraying Mark’s father, Omni-Man, was mentioned, Yeun did not dismiss the concept and expressed ongoing excitement about the franchise:

“Yeah, we’ll see. I love working with Robert. That comic is so great, and it goes so long and so deep. So, I’m excited to see that play itself out. Right now, we’re having a lot of fun making this show. Live action – who knows?”

—Steven Yeun, Actor

What DaCosta’s Vision Could Mean for Invincible’s Future

DaCosta’s passion and understanding of Invincible’s emotional intensity suggest that, if a live-action movie moves forward, it could distinguish itself with a grounded, gritty tone that emphasizes complex relationships and mature themes. Her interest in injecting realistic elements into this superhero world could offer fans a fresh and compelling take compared to previous adaptations.

While there is no confirmed timeline or official announcement for a live-action Invincible film under her direction, DaCosta is clearly prepared to step in and bring this powerful story to life if given the chance, which could significantly energize the franchise’s evolution in cinema.