Summary
- Margot Robbie is producing an adaptation of Rob Liefeld’s
Avengelyne
adaptation, with conflicting reports that she’s also being eyed to star in the movie. - Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon are also producing the project, with Olivia Wilde reportedly set to direct.
- This marks the first promising update for the movie after initially being announced to be in development in 2013.
Margot Robbie‘s return to the world of comic book adaptations looks to be moving forward with Avengelyne. First published in 1995, the Rob Liefeld-created comic revolved around the titular fallen angel who roams the Earth and uses her remaining abilities of superhuman strength and holy blood to fight demonic forces and prevent the impending apocalypse. Talks have swirled about an adaptation of the comic for the past decade, with a variety of talent attached to prior attempts.
Deadline reports that Robbie is circling the Avengelyne adaptation in a producer capacity with her LuckyChap banner, while Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon are said to be producing as well via their Genre label. Olivia Wilde is also reportedly set to direct the adaptation of the comic created by Deadpool‘s Rob Liefeld, with a “big A-list writer” reportedly in talks to pen the script. Some sources report that the movie was being developed for Robbie to star, though the three-time Oscar nominee’s reps are also reportedly denying this.
Avengelyne Would Be The Perfect Franchise For Robbie If Her Harley Tenure Is Done
Should the reports prove true, the latest update in Avengelyne‘s journey to the screen would be the most promising one it’s seen in years. Liefeld previously began working with The Mandalorian‘s Gina Carano to star in the titular role, with Paramount Pictures acquiring the rights to the project in 2016 with Star Trek vet Akiva Goldsman intended to produce. While the lack of major updates already indicated this incarnation had died in development hell, Carano’s later controversies led to further doubts of it making progress.
The initial reports that Robbie won’t be starring in Avengelyne come as somewhat of a surprise considering she already has experience in the comic book adaptation genre as the DC Extended Universe’s Harley Quinn. Heading into James Gunn’s DC Universe reboot, in particular, the actor’s future as Harley has remained largely unknown, though Gunn has indicated he’s still open to having her play the role, or play someone else. Robbie, on the other hand, recently indicated that she was more interested in seeing someone else carry on the part:
I always wanted Harley to be a character that would get passed on to other actresses to play, the way there are so many iconic male characters. That was always the dream for her. Harley’s so fun and can go in so many different directions. You put her in someone else’s hands, and it’s like, “What are they going to do with her?” The options are endless.
Taking on the mantle of Avengelyne would not only give Robbie another potential blockbuster franchise like the DCEU and Barbie, but also the chance to explore a unique character through a new lens. With both Robbie leading the charge and Wilde at the helm, the titular antihero could retain the various action-packed and emotional arcs from the comics, while also moving beyond the scantily clad depiction she’s known for in the comics to become a subversive new heroine for the big screen. Even if Robbie doesn’t star, though, her attachment is a promising sign for the movie’s development.
Source: Deadline