Paramount Pictures may have found a new comic franchise with the adaptation of the cult comic Devil to a feature film. Devilina was published in 1975 by Atlas/Seabound Comics (to differentiate itself from Marvel Comics’ original name, Atlas Comics), apparently as a challenger to the far more popular Vampirella and Marvel’s Satana, and only two comics were published. However, the basic idea seems strong enough that Paramount Pictures greenlighted a film in the hopes of finding a new franchise with a high concept.

Accordingly DeadlineSteven Paul of Atlas Comics has signed a deal with Paramount Pictures to produce a feature film adaptation of Devil. They have hired screenwriter Rebecca Webb to write the script. The film revolves around a sheltered young woman who travels to New York in search of her past and discovers that she is the sister of Satan. Not only has her twin brother manipulated her, but a detective is also investigating a series of murders that are connected to her. Steven Paul said of the project:

“From the beginning, Atlas Comics’ extensive library of characters and stories was designed as a coherent universe.
Devil
serves as an introduction and we are committed to honoring this fundamental vision of Atlas and ensuring that audiences can fully immerse themselves in these dynamic characters and narratives,”

Jon Gonda, EVP of Production at Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, said:

“We are excited to partner with SP Media to explore the rich legacy of the Atlas comic book properties, starting with the iconic character.
Devil”,

A new film universe for Paramount Pictures

While Devil seems like an odd choice for a feature film adaptation, having only released two comics from a much smaller publication, but the material is an easy sell due to its ambitious concept. Devil may not be the most well-known among comic book fans, but the basic concept of a woman who is the twin sister of the devil is a strong hook for an action film or a horror movie and is reminiscent of the 1990s when studios optioned cult comics like The Rocketeer, Barb Wire and Spawn as alternatives to more famous Marvel or DC heroes. On the other hand, adaptations of lesser-known comics have had a tough time in recent years, from the adaptation of Bloodsport to the latest adaptation of The Crowwhich was a flop with critics.

Devil also promises to build a potential shared universe at Paramount. Many characters from Atlas/Seabound Comics such as Lomax, Grim Ghost and Phoenix have connections to the two original Devil Comics, which could be the motivating factor behind the film’s release. They are not planning just one film, but a series of connected films that they can make spin-offs from. Paramount Pictures sees value in the Atlas/Seabound library, which they could exploit in the same way that Warner Bros. does with DC and Disney does with Marvel. If budgets are low, it could become another horror universe like The Conjuring.

While Devil might be considered too obscure, it was Paramount Pictures that helped launch the MCU, which was considered a big risk at the time, and that deal is most famous for preventing Marvel Studios from doing what they want with the Hulk. Although Paramount lost a larger stake in the MCU when Disney bought Marvel Studios, they still have their fair share of major franchises under their belt. Currently, Paramount Pictures has the Mission: Impossible, Scream, Sonic the Hedgehog, Star Trek, Transformersand the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchises, and if all goes well, Devil could be one of the next.