Netflix has officially acquired the film rights to adapt the acclaimed graphic novel “Torso” by Brian Michael Bendis, marking a significant development in the project that has been in the pipeline for nearly two decades. The streaming giant secured the rights through a competitive bidding process, finalizing a deal worth seven figures. This adaptation promises to bring to life a gripping true-crime narrative centered around Elliot Ness and the infamous Cleveland Torso Murders.
While the film currently lacks an attached writer or director, Zach Cregger, known for his recent success with the horror film “Weapons,” will serve as producer. His involvement adds a layer of excitement, given his track record in the genre, which includes the acclaimed film “Barbarian.” Alongside Cregger, producers Alex Hedlund and Nick Antosca will contribute through their company, Eat the Cat. This duo is recognized for their work on other notable true-crime series, including “Candy” and “A Friend of the Family.”
The graphic novel “Torso,” first published by Image Comics in 1998, chronicles the disturbing events that unfolded after Ness’s tenure in Chicago. The story follows his efforts to capture a serial killer who left dismembered torsos in the Cuyahoga River, complete with taunting notes directed at local authorities. Bendis, inspired by actual case files from the Cleveland Torso Murders, collaborated with writer Marc Andreyko to create this chilling narrative, which features Bendis’s original artwork. The case files provided to Bendis included photographs, newspaper articles, and interviews with Ness himself, forming a rich foundation for the graphic novel.
The project has seen various potential directors over the years, including David Lowery, Paul Greengrass, and David Fincher, alongside speculation about Matt Damon possibly joining the cast. Rumored scripts have been developed by writers such as Ehren Kruger and Brian Helgeland, indicating sustained interest in the adaptation.
Cregger’s involvement signals a fresh approach to this long-gestating project. His successes in horror and upcoming endeavors, including a new “Resident Evil” film, suggest he is well-equipped to handle the tension and dark themes inherent in “Torso.” As anticipation builds for this adaptation, fans of Bendis’s work and true crime stories alike are eager to see how the narrative unfolds on screen.
With a powerful story and a talented production team, “Torso” is set to captivate audiences, bringing a pivotal moment in crime history to cinematic life. The project represents not only a significant chapter in the adaptation of graphic novels but also a deeper dive into the complexities of a man known for his fight against crime during one of America’s most notorious periods.
