Vault Comics has announced that their hit comic series Heathen is being developed into a feature film by Constantin Film AG.



The critically-acclaimed comic book series created by Natasha Alterici was recently selected by Young Adult Library Service Association (YALSA) to be included in its 2018 Great Graphic Novels For Teens list.



The script will be written by Kerry Williamson, whose credits include Alex Cross, Netflix’s What Happened to Monday and the adaptation of the fantasy series Sandman Slim for director Chad Stahelski and Studio 8. The film will be produced by Constantin’s Robert Kulzer with Adrian Askarieh, who's Prime Universe Films is in a two-year first look deal with Constantin. Askarieh’s last film was 20th Century Fox’s Hitman: Agent 47. F.J. DeSanto will produce. DeSanto was a producer on the Frank Miller directed The Spirit and recently co-wrote and Executive Produced the Transformers anime for Machinima and Hasbro. Damian Wassel, Vault's CEO & Publisher, will Executive Produce, and Tim Daniel, Vault's VP of Branding, will Co-Produce, and Constantin’s Martin Moszkowicz will be executive producer. The deal was brokered by Constantin Film business affairs Executive Vice President, Nick Hanks. Vault and Desanto were repped by Industry Entertainment, and Weintraub Tobin.



Heathen follows Aydis, a viking, warrior, outcast, and a self-proclaimed heathen. Aydis is a rescuer of the immortal Valkyrie Brynhild and battler of demons and fantastic monsters. Aydis is a woman. Born into a time of warfare, suffering, and subjugation of women, she is on a mission to end the oppressive reign of the god-king Odin.



"The entire Heathen team and I are incredibly excited about adapting my little lesbian viking comic for film,” said creator, Natasha Alterici. “I've been a film fanatic for longer than I've been a comics fans, and that my working in one format would lead to another is nothing less than a dream come true."



“Natasha has created an instant classic which smartly ties into the current socio-political zeitgeist while being a first rate timeless adventure story,” said Adrian Askarieh. “Not only is it a great passion of ours to bring Heathen to the big screen, but also a true honor.”



"Heathen is truly one of those “lightning in a bottle” ideas and it’s easy to see why Vault is already on their second printing of the trade paperback. Natasha’s ability to take classic themes and characters and present them in a fresh new way speaks volumes about her talent as a creator,” said F.J. DeSanto.



"Heathen had me from the very first panel, and I remain completely hooked,” said Vault Publisher, Damian Wassel. “It's not just an amazing comic, it contains all the ingredients for a truly magnificent film adaption: striking settings, an unexpected story, and a small cast of fascinating, fully-realized characters."



"Natasha Alterici is a creator for our age and it is thrilling to witness a storyteller rewarded for so boldly wielding her voice,” said Tim Daniel. “We're extremely gratified that both Natasha and Heathen call Vault Comics home. May their journey serve as a signal fire for other creators seeking to pursue their comic book dreams."





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