‘Warrior Nun’ Creator Close To Securing Underlying Comic Rights, Plans Film & TV Universe

EXCLUSIVE: A few years ago there was hope among fans that the cancelled and popular Netflix series Warrior Nun was on the path to resuscitation via some movies. Then things went quiet. We can now reveal that things are looking up again.

This isn’t for a straight rekindling of the Netflix show, but series creator Simon Barry and his Vancouver banner Reality Distortion Field (RDF) are in final negotiations to license some of the underlying rights to the original comic book series and related IP, spanning more than 100 issues and specials.

The plan remains to launch a film and TV universe off the back of that underlying IP.

The negotiations are with Perfect Circle Productions, headed by Dean English, which holds the live-action adaptation rights to Warrior Nun Areala, the manga-style American comic book series created by Ben Dunn and published by Antarctic Press.

RDF, co-founded by showrunner Barry — also known for Netflix series Bet, Showcase’s Continuum and Syfy’s Van Helsing — and executive producer Stephen Hegyes, originally developed and produced the Netflix series, starring Alba Baptista, Kristina Tonteri-Young and Lorena Andrea.

The show, which was cancelled after two seasons but scored some high audience approval ratings, followed an orphaned teen who discovers that she possesses superpowers as the chosen Halo Bearer for a secret sect of demon-hunting nuns.

RDF tells us that securing the available IP rights to the comic series would allow the company to develop unexplored elements of the universe and expand parts of the franchise across films, TV, and other media platforms. We’re told there aren’t any current discussions with the original cast to return.

A few years ago Barry thought they could spin-off a trilogy of movies based on the series. But that deal never came to fruition. Rights were then with another company, but that pact has now expired. Now Barry is a lot more hopeful about a different kind of future for the IP.

“Returning to the Warrior Nun universe is something I’ve been thinking about since the original series aired,” said Barry. “We have a fabulous opportunity not only to dive into more fantastic stories from elements of the Warrior Nun universe, but also to bring our incredible global fanbase of nunkind more of what they loved from the comic book series.”

RDF will be at the Toronto market this week to discuss plans with potential partners. The company’s movie Whatcha Want is debuting at the festival.