Patrick Stewart Joins Netflix Comic Adaptation With Michael Bay Circling To Direct

Published by Vault Comics, Barbaric was originally released in 2021 and is an ongoing title by Micahel Moreci and Nathan Gooden. It’s set in a bleak, fantasy setting where the barbarian Owen is given a curse forcing him to always do the right thing.

While its setting is grim and violent, it’s also full of comedy, largely due to the talking axe Patrick Stewart will voice for Netflix, who is bloodthirsty, crass, and hedonistic. 

With a setting similar to Game of Thrones and a strong sense of humor, it makes sense that Netflix would pursue Barbaric. With big shows like Stranger Things and The Umbrella Academy ending soon, the streaming platform must land another hit show soon.

Another comic book adaptation, with a big name like Patrick Stewart attached, could be just what they need to keep fans subscribed. 

Patrick Stewart is a huge get for Netflix, bringing a level of prestige and popularity that few actors can bring. He’s best known for his roles as Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise.

While he may be best known for his work in genre fiction, the English actor has had a long and storied career that includes acting in The Royal Shakespeare Company. 

Netflix has assembled great talent around Patrick Stewart, ensuring he won’t be the only reason for fans to tune in. Sam Claflin is a strong leading man, known for his roles in Peaky Blinders, Enola Holmes, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Famed action director Michael Bay’s involvement is also interesting, with the combination of stylized violence and crude humor feeling perfectly within his wheelhouse. 

In addition to seeing Patrick Stewart return to the world of comic book adaptations, Netflix could also score a historic first with Barbaric. Michael Bay would be making his TV series directing debut, after nearly 30 years of making movies.

As the director of Bad Boys, Ambulance, Armageddon, and The Rock, Bay has a reputation for making over-the-top action movies and it would be interesting to see him working in a more constrained medium. 

100% Productions is the company behind the upcoming Patrick Stewart Netflix show. The production company owners, Sheldon Turner and Jenniffer Klein, are set to executive produce Barbaric.

Turner will also write the show, indicating he will likely be closely involved with the show’s development possibly serving as showrunner. 

Barbaric is shaping up to be an exciting show for Netflix thanks to top-tier talent. Of course, big names don’t always translate into guaranteed success, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the show as it develops. If nothing else, Patrick Stewart playing a comic relief, talking battle axe is novel enough to warrant giving the show a chance.

Source: Deadline