FXX has ordered a new animated adult comedy series based on the Marvel character Deadpool, the network announced Wednesday.
The untitled project will be spearheaded by Donald Glover (“Atlanta”) and his brother Stephen Glover, who has also written on “Atlanta.” Both will serve as showrunners, executive producers and writers.
The network has ordered the series for a 1o-episode first season.
“Donald Glover is an incredibly gifted and versatile artist who’ll bring the untitled Marvel’s Deadpool series to life with the same intense, singular vision as his breakout hit “Atlanta,”” said Nick Grad, president of original programming at parent network FX, in a statement.
The series will be FX Networks’ second outing into Marvel territory. Its first superhero-based show, “Legion,” took place in the “X-Men” universe and was recently renewed for a second season. Deadpool is also from “X-Men,” so this will continue FX’s relationship with the mutantverse.
“How much more fun could this be? Deadpool, Donald and FX — the perfect fit for the Merc with the Mouth!” said Jeph Loeb, head of Marvel Television. “We’re thrilled that our relationship with FX that started with Legion continues with what is sure to be a groundbreaking show in adult animation.”
The animated series comes on the heels of another major success for 20th Century Fox, which owns the rights to X-Men. “Deadpool,” an R-rated comedy starring Ryan Reynolds that came out in 2016, became one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time. The sequel, which will star Josh Brolin as buddy Cable, is set to premiere in 2018.
The animated series is also set to premiere in 2018.
This won’t be the first connection between “Deadpool” and “Atlanta.” Reynolds, who is also an executive producer on the films, announced that “Atlanta” star Zazie Beetz was cast to play Neena Thurman, aka Domino in “Deadpool 2.”