Three River brings Luther Arkwright to screen

UK prodco Three River Studios is developing a live-action series based on Bryan Talbot’s graphic novels The Adventures of Luther Arkwright and sequel Heart of Empire.

Jonathan Drake, CEO of Three River, will produce the series, with Talbot executive producing. The show is due for completion in 2022.

The graphic novels follow Luther Arkwright, an agent capable of travelling between parallel universes. In the first title, he battles another version of Oliver Cromwell’s puritans who never relinquished power.

The series has been adapted before as a radio play in 2016 starring David Tennant. Talbot is also currently writing a new instalment of Arkwright’s saga, The Legend of Luther Arkwright, due for release next year.

Drake said: “The Adventures of Luther Arkwright is unique for its time in being aimed squarely at adult readers, with a rich and sophisticated visual style. It thrills, challenges readers and makes you think.

“Luther’s unique status as a traveller between parallel realities and his saviour-like qualities might liken him to Doctor Who – but an R-rated version that doesn’t shy away from sex, politics and the grim realities of violence.”