Amazon has picked up comic adaptation The Boys to series with an eight-episode order, the retail and streaming service announced on Wednesday. Based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys will depict a world where superheroes embrace the darker side of their massive celebrity and fame. It centers on a group informally known as “the boys” who work to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their powers.
Supernatural creator Eric Kripke will serve as creator and showrunner of the eight-episode series, and Seth Rogen will direct the upcoming series as well as his producing partner Evan Goldberg. Kripke, Rogen, and Goldberg will also serve as executive producers of the project with Original Film’s Neal H. Moritz, Ori Marmur, Pavun Shetty, and Point Grey Pictures’ James Weaver. Ennis and Robertson will co-executive produce.
Amazon Studios’ Head of Scripted Series Sharon Tal said, “In a landscape saturated with superhero shows, The Boys is the next evolution in this popular genre. With Eric, Evan, Seth, and Original Film all behind this series, we are excited to adapt this popular comic, from the visionary minds of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, for television.”
This is the first series order since the major executive changes occurred with the exits of Amazon head Roy Price and head of comedy and drama Joe Lewis. Sony Pictures Television Studios, which is home of Rogen’s Preacher on AMC, will also co-produce alongside Amazon Studios.
“We are very happy to have the unique opportunity to produce a second series based on the subversive and innovative world of Garth Ennis,” Chris Parnell, Co-President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, said in a statement. “And we are thankful to Sharon and her team at Amazon for their vision, partnership, and support.”
The Boys will begin filming in spring 2018 and is set to debut in 2019.