SCI FI Channel has unveiled a new slate of scripted series in development, two of which originate from the world of comic books. A two-hour backdoor pilot titled True Believer comes from an original idea by actress Rosario Dawson, David Atchinson (her co-author on the Image Comics series Occult Crimes Task Force), Matthew Spradlin and Tom Feister. Also getting a two-hour pilot is The Stranded, based on the new SCI FI/Virgin Comics title by Mike Carey.
True Believer is described as a contemporary dramedy about a 20-something comic-book nerd who hires a washed-up, real-life superhero to be his crime-fighting sidekick and to teach him the ropes. Dawson will serve as exec producer on the project, which Atchinson and Spradlin will write. Feister will be a consultant.
The Stranded is an online comic that debuted on SciFi.com in January. The story involves five seemingly normal people who come to learn that all of their memories are lies. They are really from another world called Standfire, and their mysterious pasts are catching up to kill them.
SCI FI has also given the green light to Caprica, a spin-off of its hit series Battlestar Galactica. Originally scheduled to debut in 2006, the two-hour pilot from Battlestar creators Ronald D. Moore and David Eick will go into production this spring in Vancouver. Caprica is a prequel that goes back 50 years to focus on two rival families at the genesis of the 12 colonies.
