Fox Developing Marvel TV Series From 'Burn Notice' Creator Matt Nix
20th Century Fox is preparing to unleash some mutant mayhem on the small screen. Fox has ordered a pilot for a new untitled Marvel series, which will focus on two parents who discover their kids have mutant powers. Matt Nix (Burn Notice) will write the script, as well as executive produce alongside all the usual names: Bryan Singer, Lauren Shuler Donner, Simon Kinberg, and Marvel's Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory.
According to a press release issued by Fox, the network has given a put pilot commitment to the series. That means we'll get to see the pilot eventually whether it gets picked up to series or not. Here is a brief synopsis:
The UNTITLED FOX MARVEL PROJECT will focus on two ordinary parents who discover their children possess mutant powers. Forced to go on the run from a hostile government, the family joins up with an underground network of mutants and must fight to survive.
The new show jumps into a TV landscape already crowded with superheroes. Marvel Studios has its ABC and Netflix shows, with a Freeform series on the way; DC Entertainment has a full-fledged universe over at The CW plus a few other shows scattered around elsewhere. In fact, Fox already has two superhero shows based on DC Comics, Gotham and Lucifer.
But it's only recently that 20th Century Fox's mutants have started to make their way to the small screen. Fox's sister network FX recently gave a series order to Legion, from Fargo creator Noah Hawley. Fox also had Hellfire brewing for a while but THR reports the project was scrapped after the executive producers departed. Keep in mind that although these projects are based on Marvel Comics, they are separate from the Marvel cinematic universe in the same way that 20th Century Fox's X-Men series is distinct from the MCU.
Read the press release in full below.
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FOX MAKES PUT PILOT COMMITMENT FOR NEW MARVEL ACTION-ADVENTURE SERIES
Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Matt Nix and Marvel's Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory to Executive-Produce; Nix to Write Script
Marvel Television and 20th Century Fox Television to Co-Produce
FOX has made a put pilot commitment for a new Marvel action-adventure series, it was announced today by David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.
The UNTITLED FOX MARVEL PROJECT will focus on two ordinary parents who discover their children possess mutant powers. Forced to go on the run from a hostile government, the family joins up with an underground network of mutants and must fight to survive. The series will be produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Marvel Television, with 20th Century Fox handling physical production.
"Developing a Marvel property has been a top priority for the network – and we are so pleased with how Matt Nix has led us into this thrilling universe," said Madden. "There's comic book adventure, emotional and complicated relationships and a rich, existing mythology from which to draw. With the brilliant production crew behind this project, it has all the makings of a big, fun and exciting new series."
"Working with Marvel on a television series for FOX has been a professional dream for our head of development, Michael Thorn, and all of us at the studio," added Jonathan Davis, President, Creative Affairs, 20th Century Fox Television. "Matt, Lauren, Bryan, Simon, Jeph and Jim are a powerhouse team of creative artists, and we can't wait to get started on what will easily be one of this development season's most exciting new projects."
"Marvel Television is thrilled to be co-producing with 20th Century Fox Television on our first project," added Jeph Loeb, executive producer and Head of Marvel Television. "Matt's a huge fan of 'X-Men' and his take on 'X-Men,' with its rich characters and high-stakes adventure, is exactly the show we want on FOX. It's a great team of creative producers who will be making something entirely unique."
The UNTITLED FOX MARVEL PROJECT is a co-production of 20th Century Fox Television and Marvel Television. Matt Nix (FOX's upcoming APB, "Burn Notice") will write the pilot script and serve as an executive producer. Lauren Shuler Donner ("X-Men: Apocalypse," "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "The Wolverine"), Bryan Singer ("X-Men: Apocalypse," "X-Men: Days of Future Past"), Simon Kinberg ("X-Men: Days of Future Past," "Fantastic Four"), Jeph Loeb ("Marvel's Daredevil," "Marvel's Jessica Jones") and Jim Chory ("Marvel's Daredevil," "Marvel's Jessica Jones") serve as executive producers.