Legendary Entertainment and Watford & Essex recently announced plans to adapt Legendary Comics' upcoming graphic novel Championess to a television series.
Inspired by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas's upcoming graphic novel -- which is based on a true story -- the upcoming show will also be set in the ferocious, male-dominated world of 18th century bare-knuckle boxing. The series will be told through the lens of championess Elizabeth Wilkinson, reimagined as half-Indian and a daughter of an immigrant, as she trains to become the best female fighter in London. No casting details have been revealed.
Watford & Essex is a new Bristol-based UK drama production company created by celebrated showrunners and joint CEOs Emma Frost and Matthew Graham, who are known for their work on series such The White Queen, The Spanish Princess and Doctor Who.
"It is such a treat for us to be in partnership with Legendary on this new adventure," said Frost and Graham. "With Legendary’s success, talent and experience behind us, we're confident that we can make some great, hit shows and have a blast doing it!"
The duo continued, "TV continues to enjoy a golden age of creative diversity and risk. We've always enjoyed pushing the envelope in terms of bold and genre-bending ideas, and Legendary has always put fearless creativity at the center of their business. These two styles can only grow and develop with this new company."
In addition to Championess, the company is launching with nine other projects in development. Its upcoming projects are listed below from the studios' official press release.
- VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA – a futuristic underwater adventure series based upon the classic Irwin Allen television series from the 1960s. Developed and written by BAFTA-nominated Chris Lunt and Michael Walker (DEVILS, YOUNG WALLANDER).
- HAIL, SATAN! – a dark social comedy-drama created by Emma Frost and Matthew Graham, in development with UK’s Channel 4.
- ROXANA – a dark and funny parable about female identity, adapted from the Daniel Defoe novel by Emma Frost.
- Untitled – A contemporary thriller from BAFTA-award winning Stephen Butchard (Rose D’or-nominated BAGHDAD CENTRAL, THE LAST KINGDOM).
- An original project from BAFTA-nominated Rob Williams (THE VICTIM, KILLING EVE, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE and upcoming SUSPICION.)
- MATILDA – a Medieval female-driven political adventure series created by Matthew Graham.
- HEAT – an original supernatural YA drama set on a London housing estate. Created by Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre.
- THE ALICE – a family medical drama set in Australia. Created by Ashley Pharoah (AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, LIFE ON MARS, WILD AT HEART.)
- AMAZONIA – an epic environmental thriller from International Emmy winner Misha Glenny (McMAFIA); BBC broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Lang; and Robert Muggah and Ilona Szabo of the Rio-based Igarapé Institute.
The Championess graphic novel goes on sale on April 13, 2021. Authors Shanker and Zekas previously collaborated on the These Vicious Masks trilogy, a Victorian-era adventure series that follows heroine Evelyn as she travels to London to find her missing sister Rose. Things get complicated when a reclusive young gentleman named Sebastian Braddock reveals he is also searching for Rose, claiming both she and Evelyn have special healing powers.
Also on Legendary Comics' release schedule for 2021 is The Science of Ghosts by Lilah Sturges (June 1), Head Wounds: Sparrow by Oscar Isaac, Bob Johnson and John Alvey (July 1), The Heart Hunter by McKelle George (Aug. 1) and Lupina: Volume 1 by James Wright (Sept. 9).
Source: Legendary Comics