Having brought to the screen founder Luc Besson’s children’s book, Arthur and the Minimoys, EuropaCorp. is looking at developing a trilogy of films based on the classic graphic novel series Aventures Extraordinaires d’Adele Blanc-Sec from French author Jacques Tardi. According to Daily Variety, a deal has been signed with French graphic novel publisher Casterman and the first pic is slated for release in 2009.
First published in 1976, the Aventures comics take place in war-torn Paris between 1911 and 1922, as a popular novelist named Adele Blanc-Sec is pursued by bumbling policemen, lovers, monsters and other villains. There’s no word on the extent of Besson’s involvement. The director of such actions favorites as Leon: The Professional, La Femme Nikita and The Fifth Element may end up directing some or all installments in the trilogy.
EuropaCorp’s interest in graphic novels goes beyond film adaptations. Last year, the company purchased a stake in Septieme Choc, a graphic novel publisher dedicated to fostering work by underprivileged young artists. The imprint’s first titles debuted this month.
