HBO is taking another bold step into the world of graphic novels, announcing the development of a TV series based on Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s acclaimed work, V for Vendetta. The news, reported on November 11, 2025, has sent ripples through both the comic and television communities, with fans eager to see how this dystopian tale will be reimagined for the small screen. The project joins a rapidly expanding lineup of DC adaptations under the stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran, the co-CEOs of DC Studios, who are overseeing a new, interconnected era for the DC Universe.
According to Variety, the new V for Vendetta series will be executive produced by Gunn and Safran, whose recent successes have helped redefine DC’s cinematic and television direction. They are joined by Ben Stephenson of Poison Pen and Leanne Klein of Wall to Wall Media, a Warner Bros. Television Studios UK company. The series will be penned by Pete Jackson, a writer recognized for his work on Somewhere Boy (2022) and The Death of Bunny Munro (2025), bringing a fresh perspective to Moore’s iconic narrative.
Set in a totalitarian Britain in an alternate future, V for Vendetta follows the enigmatic figure known only as V, a masked vigilante determined to topple a fascist regime. The story draws inspiration from the historic Gunpowder Plot, which is commemorated annually on November 5 in Britain—a detail that grounds the narrative in real-world tradition while amplifying its themes of resistance and rebellion. As Variety notes, the original graphic novel was previously adapted into a 2006 film by the Wachowskis, starring Hugo Weaving as V and Natalie Portman as his reluctant accomplice, Evey.
The announcement of the V for Vendetta TV series comes at a time of tremendous change for DC Studios. Gunn and Safran’s vision for a more cohesive and interconnected universe is taking shape through a slate of ambitious projects. This new era, dubbed “Gods and Monsters,” began with this year’s release of Superman and will continue with Supergirl (set for June 26, 2026) and Clayface (scheduled for September 11, 2026), among others. The pair’s strategy is to ensure that both movies and television series contribute to a unified DC narrative, a significant shift from the fragmented approach of past years.
In addition to V for Vendetta, HBO is also developing a series centered on Jimmy Olsen, the intrepid photojournalist from the Superman universe. What sets this series apart is its choice of villain: Gorilla Grodd, a telepathic supervillain best known as one of The Flash’s primary adversaries. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, known for their work on American Vandal, are attached as executive producers and co-showrunners, with Gunn and Safran again lending their oversight. This move demonstrates DC Studios’ willingness to explore unconventional characters and storylines, expanding the boundaries of what superhero television can be.
According to a comprehensive rundown published on November 11, 2025, by IGN, the DC Universe’s upcoming projects are nothing short of expansive. Alongside V for Vendetta and Jimmy Olsen, fans can look forward to Lanterns (early 2026), an ambitious detective drama featuring Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. There’s also Mister Miracle (currently in production), Batman: The Brave and the Bold, a second season of Creature Commandos, and a host of other titles in various stages of development, including The Authority, Swamp Thing, a Teen Titans movie, a Bane/Deathstroke team-up film, a new Wonder Woman movie, and TV series such as Waller, Booster Gold, and Paradise Lost. Animated projects like Blue Beetle, Harley Quinn, and Sgt. Rock round out the slate, ensuring that DC’s reach extends across genres and audiences.
The creative team behind V for Vendetta brings together a blend of established DC leadership and fresh writing talent. Pete Jackson’s involvement as series writer is particularly notable, given his recent acclaim for character-driven drama. With Gunn and Safran at the helm, the project is expected to retain the original’s political edge and philosophical depth, while making it accessible to a new generation of viewers. This approach echoes the success of HBO’s previous Alan Moore adaptation, Watchmen, which garnered 11 Emmy Awards in 2020 and was lauded for its thoughtful expansion of Moore’s universe.
As DC Studios moves forward, Gunn and Safran’s commitment to storytelling cohesion is evident. The duo has repeatedly emphasized the importance of crafting narratives that not only entertain but also resonate across multiple platforms. “Everybody knows I love Batman and it’s important to me so I’m working very closely with the writer on Brave and the Bold,” Gunn told reporters in February 2025, highlighting the hands-on approach that has become a hallmark of their tenure.
Of course, not every project has proceeded without bumps. Some titles, such as Waller and Swamp Thing, have faced delays or creative challenges. “Waller has been a bumpy road,” Safran admitted, while Gunn expressed patience regarding Swamp Thing due to director James Mangold’s other commitments. Still, the sheer volume and diversity of projects in the pipeline suggest a level of ambition and adaptability that could redefine the superhero genre on television and in film.
The decision to revisit V for Vendetta at this moment feels particularly resonant. The graphic novel’s exploration of authoritarianism, personal freedom, and the power of collective action has only grown more relevant in today’s sociopolitical climate. By tapping into these themes, HBO and DC Studios are positioning the series not just as entertainment, but as a cultural touchstone—one that could spark dialogue and reflection among viewers.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of lesser-known characters like Jimmy Olsen and Gorilla Grodd in major projects signals a willingness to experiment with format and focus. Rather than relying solely on marquee heroes, DC is investing in the rich tapestry of its universe, offering audiences new perspectives and stories. This strategy, combined with the guiding hand of Gunn and Safran, is expected to keep the DC Universe both dynamic and unpredictable in the years to come.
With V for Vendetta poised to become HBO’s next prestige comic adaptation, and a robust lineup of films and series on the horizon, DC Studios is clearly betting on depth, diversity, and daring storytelling. Fans and newcomers alike have reason to be excited as this new chapter unfolds, promising not only spectacular adventures but also timely, thought-provoking narratives.
