Frank Miller To Write & Produce A New Series Based On Hugo Pratt's Corto Maltese Graphic Novels

Frank Miller is returning to Hollywood. However, this time he’s not adapting one of his own graphic novels for the screen. Instead, he’s taking on the work of Hugo Pratt, the creator of the Corto Maltese series of graphic novels. 

According to Deadline, Studiocanal has brought on Frank Miller to create, write, and produce a new six-episode series following the adventures of Hugo Pratt’s beloved creation, Corto Maltese. For those unaware, Corto Maltese is a sea captain who has starred in a number of Pratt’s graphic novels. Maltese’s adventures took place in the early part of the 20th century as he ventured all over the world and crossed paths with many historical figures while on his journeys. 

READ MORE: ‘Who By Fire’: New Limited Series About Leonard Cohen’s 1973 Concert In Israel In Development

“I first discovered Corto Maltese reading the books at Forbidden Planet in New York as a young man,” Miller said. “Then on my travels, I studied and discovered an edition at a newsstand in Rome. The artwork was so expressive and so bold that it leapt off the newsprint. It swept me away. It was full of magic and romantic adventure. Maltese is a rascal who could talk to the Gods. To me it showed off the power of the comic where language is not much of a barrier. I have been a Corto Maltese fan ever since. This is the hero’s journey in its most classic form, and I couldn’t be more honored to help bring into this series the romanticism, heroism, and underlying mysticism of Pratt’s creation.” 

It’s unclear what the format of the series will look like. Maltese has starred in a number of graphic novels and adventures, so a series could actually be formatted as an anthology of sorts, with each episode serving as a new journey. Perhaps, Miller would also prefer to focus each season on one journey. We’ll just have to wait and see. One thing we do know, according to the report, is that the VFX will be handled by Phil Tippett, a legend among VFX artists.

READ MORE: ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’ Spinoff HBO Max Series Finally Begins Shooting & Co-Showrunner Diane Ademu-John Exits

Miller is best known as the comic book creator behind legendary works such as “Sin City,” “300,” and “The Dark Knight Returns.” In Hollywood, he worked alongside Robert Rodriguez to co-direct the two “Sin City” films and he also wrote and directed “The Spirit.” 

A premiere date and distributor for the Corto Maltese series have yet to be announced.