San Diego, CA, February 15, 2005 - IDW Publishing today announced its agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to publish a comic book miniseries based on the hit zombie comedy, Shaun of the Dead, which Rogue Pictures released in theaters last fall and which is now available on DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The four-issue, full-color comic book miniseries debuts in June.
IDW, home to other successful movie adaptations like Dawn of the Dead and Underworld, will produce the four-issue miniseries with the full participation and input of the film's screenwriters, Edgar Wright (who directed the film) and Simon Pegg (who starred as Shaun), as well as Universal Studios. The adaptation will follow the storyline of the film but will also feature scenes that weren't included in the theatrical release. Illustrating the four-issue miniseries will be Zach Howard (Detective Comics), with unique covers painted by British artist Jason Brashill.
"Edgar and Simon have been great," said IDW Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall, who will also script the adaptation. "They've given us full access to deleted scenes, unshot scenes and other bonus materials, allowing us to present a sort of 'director's cut' of their movie, in four parts."
Shaun of the Dead is a four-issue, 32-page, full-color miniseries debuting in June.
About Shaun of the Dead
A Rogue Pictures release of a Rogue Pictures and Working Title Films presentation of a WT2 Production in association with Big Talk Productions, Shaun of the Dead was produced by Nira Park. The "rom zom com" (romantic zombie comedy), follows the bloody funny adventures of underachiever Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his best mate Ed (Nick Frost) as they cope with a zombie invasion of North London and attempt to rescue Shaun's girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) and his Mum, Barbara (Penelope Wilton). While the film was a sleeper hit in the U.K., it was even more successful in the U.S., earning over $13 million. The film was MPAA-rated "R" for zombie violence/gore and language. Please consult for further information.
About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group
Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition of the extensive catalogue of NBC Universal properties. Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates the No. 1 television network, the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.
About IDW Publishing
IDW PUBLISHING is a division of Idea + Design Works, LLC, a revolutionary creative service company with a wide range of clients. Among their best-selling titles are CBS's CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith's 30 Days of Night: Bloodsucker Tales; Konami's Metal Gear Solid; and GrimJack: Killer Instinct. Columbia Pictures has optioned the movie rights to 30 Days of Night, with Sam Raimi attached to produce. Konami is producing a video game based on CVO: Covert Vampiric Operations. Dimension Films has optioned the movie rights to Wake The Dead and Hyde. Paramount Pictures has optioned the movie rights to Aleister Arcane.