Netflix Wins Bidding War for Torso Movie After Two Decades in Development

Netflix has secured the movie rights to Torso. The streaming giant won a fierce bidding war for the graphic novel. The deal was finalized in late November.

The project is now in early development. It brings a long-gestating true-crime story back to life. This ends a 20-year journey through Hollywood for the property.

A Stacked Team Revives a Storied Project

The adaptation will tell the true story of Elliot Ness. It follows his later years hunting a serial killer in Cleveland. The killer left dismembered torsos and taunting notes.

Producers are now assembling a top-tier team. Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment is attached to produce. He partners again with filmmaker Zach Cregger, who will produce but not direct.

The graphic novel’s creators will executive produce. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the rights deal reached seven figures. No writer or director is currently attached.

A Long and Winding Road to the Screen

Hollywood has chased this project for over twenty years. Director David Fincher was once attached in the early 2000s. His vision included a black-and-white film with Matt Damon.

Paramount Pictures ultimately let the rights lapse. The studio feared the budget was too high. Several other directors and writers took passes at the script in subsequent years.

Now, Netflix sees fresh potential. The streamer’s deep resources can finally realize this complex story. It combines historical crime with a chilling serial killer narrative.

The project is described as “The Untouchables meets Zodiac.” This tone has consistently attracted major talent. Its new home at Netflix could be the perfect fit.

The Torso movie represents a major coup for Netflix, finally bringing a legendary unmade story to a global audience.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: What is the Torso movie about?

The film adapts the true-crime graphic novel about Elliot Ness. It follows his hunt for a serial killer in 1930s Cleveland. The killer was known for leaving severed torsos as his calling card.

Q2: Who is making the Torso movie for Netflix?

Producers include Roy Lee and Zach Cregger. The graphic novel creators, Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko, are executive producers. A writer and director have not yet been named.

Q3: Has this movie been tried before?

Yes. Development started over twenty years ago. David Fincher and Matt Damon were once attached. Several other filmmakers attempted adaptations before Netflix acquired the rights.

Q4: When will the Torso movie be released?

No release date is set. The project is in very early development at Netflix. Casting and filming timelines are not yet established.

Q5: Why is Netflix a good home for this story?

Netflix has the resources for a period crime epic. The streamer supports ambitious filmmaker-driven projects. Its global reach ensures a wide audience for this long-awaited adaptation.