Viola Davis Produces Afro-Fantasy Epic 'The Untamed' Film Adaptation

Oscar-winning actor Viola Davis and her production company, JuVee Productions, are developing a feature film adaptation of the Afro-fantasy graphic novel 'The Untamed: A Sinner's Prayer'. The project, a collaboration with Homeworld Entertainment and Stranger Comics, will be directed by the graphic novel's creator, Sebastian A. Jones. The story is set in the fantasy world of Asunda and follows a mysterious Stranger on a seven-day quest for vengeance that may turn to redemption. The universe blends Medieval European and African influences, inspired by Tolkien and described as a poetic drama within a vengeance tale.

Key Points: Viola Davis to Produce 'The Untamed' Graphic Novel Film

  • Viola Davis producing film adaptation
  • Based on Afro-fantasy graphic novel 'The Untamed'
  • Set in fantasy realm of Asunda
  • Story blends vengeance with redemption
2 min read

Viola Davis to produce afro-fantasy graphic novel 'The Untamed' film adaptation

Oscar-winner Viola Davis to produce film adaptation of Afro-fantasy graphic novel 'The Untamed' through JuVee Productions.

"a poetic and cinematic drama wrapped up in a badass vengeance tale - Sebastian A. Jones"

Washington, February 21

In a major move for fantasy storytelling on screen, Oscar-winning actor Viola Davis is set to produce a feature adaptation of the Afro-fantasy graphic novel 'The Untamed: A Sinner's Prayer', bringing the indie franchise to the big screen.

Davis and her partner Julius Tennon, under their banner JuVee Productions, are developing the project alongside Homeworld Entertainment and Stranger Comics, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

The adaptation will be based on the revenge fantasy series created by Sebastian A. Jones, who will outline the script and direct the film.

Producers on the project include Davis, Tennon, Simon Swart, Andrew Cosby and Jones.

Set in the fantasy realm of Asunda, The Untamed follows a mysterious figure known as The Stranger, who returns to the lawless town of Oasis under a grim pact.

He has seven days to claim the souls of those responsible for the murder of his wife and child, or face dire consequences. His path shifts when he encounters a young orphan named Niobe, potentially transforming his mission of vengeance into one of redemption, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

The Asunda universe blends Medieval European and African historical influences, drawing inspiration from the works of JRR Tolkien.

As quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, Jones described the project as "a poetic and cinematic drama wrapped up in a badass vengeance tale," evoking the mood of a Spaghetti Western or a Kurosawa epic set in a sweeping fantasy landscape.

The collaboration marks a full-circle moment for Davis, who penned the foreword to Jones' 2017 graphic novel 'Niobe: She is Life'.

The actor, known for playing Amanda Waller in DC titles such as 'The Suicide Squad' and 'Peacemaker,' last starred in Amazon MGM's action feature G20, which she also produced with Tennon.

Homeworld Entertainment, founded by Swart and Cosby along with Mike Ikeda, Tai Truesdell and Nick Rathod, focuses on developing global intellectual property across anime, manga, film and television.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Sounds like an interesting premise - revenge turning to redemption. Viola Davis is a powerhouse producer and actor. Curious to see how the "Spaghetti Western in a fantasy landscape" vibe translates. Hope the story has depth and isn't just style.
A
Aman W
Great to see global stories being told. The blend of Medieval Europe and Africa is a fresh take. While I'm excited, I do hope the adaptation respects the source material and doesn't water it down for a mass audience. Sometimes Hollywood adaptations lose the soul of the original work.
S
Sarah B
Viola Davis is amazing in everything she does! From *How to Get Away with Murder* to Amanda Waller, she brings such intensity. Producing this project shows her commitment to telling powerful, underrepresented stories. Can't wait to see the world of Asunda on screen.
K
Karthik V
The theme of a quest for vengeance being transformed by an encounter with innocence (the orphan Niobe) is a timeless one, found in many of our own stories. Hope the execution is good. The graphic novel source seems promising. More power to diverse fantasy!
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Nikhil C
Interesting project. While I support new fantasy worlds, I sometimes feel these "inspired by Tolkien" descriptions are overused. Every fantasy doesn't need that comparison. Let Asunda stand on its own unique African and European blend. Wishing the team the best.

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