Gaumont to adapt comic book

Usagi Yojimbo

Narcos producer Gaumont has optioned comic book series Usagi Yojimbo and is planning an animated TV show based on the property.

Usagi Yojimbo was first published in 1984 and was created by writer and illustrator Stan Sakai, who agreed the option deal with Gaumont.

The series will be coproduced by Gaumont, Sakai, James Wan’s Atomic Monster and comic book publisher Dark Horse Entertainment’s Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg.

Richardson and Goldberg will serve as executive producers of the show, with Chris Tongue as co-executive producer.

The story takes place in a fantasy version of 17th century Japan and features a diverse world of anthropomorphic characters. The titular character, a ronin warrior and one-time bodyguard for a Japanese war lord, has previously appeared in all three Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series.

The Usagi Yojimbo comics have been translated into 15 languages and are available in 21 countries in English.

“Usagi Yojimbo’s blend of history and mythology, clever balance between action and comedy, and real-world touchpoints combined with the supernatural, together with the passionate fan base that Stan has already amassed, makes this an incredibly exciting property to develop with our partners Atomic Monster and Dark Horse Entertainment,” said Gaumont president of animation Nicolas Atlan.

Sakai added: “We get fan mail from readers of all ages across the globe who have been asking to see Usagi Yojimbo in his own TV series.”