DC Writer Geoff Johns Gets Movie Adaptation of Image Comics' Redcoat

DC Comics writer, Geoff Johns (Teen Titans, The Flash, Action Comics), is getting a movie adaptation of one of his critically acclaimed indie series, Redcoat.

Redcoat is created by Johns and Bryan Hitch (Justice League of America, Hawkman) and published under Image Comics’ creator-owned imprint, Ghost Machine. As part of a new deal with Atlas Entertainment, Johns will be writing the script for the upcoming feature film. It will be produced by Charles Roven.

Roven and Alex Gartner (another producer from the film studio) had nothing but good things to say about the comic book series. The latter praised the story’s protagonist, Simon Pure. “All great franchises are built on great characters, and Redcoat’s Simon Pure is one of them. Funny, charismatic, and lovably roguish, he anchors the IP fantastically,” he explained.

Roven, who had known Johns for quite a while, applauded his work. He also commended Hitch’s art, calling Redcoat one of their most “brilliant” projects. “I have known Geoff Johns for many years and in some cases had a front-row seat to his excellent work in the DC world. Johns and Hitch have formed a brilliant collaboration as writer and illustrator of the Redcoat comics, which have become a top-selling fan favorite. Redcoat is innovative comic material and ripe to become a tentpole.”

The Image Comics series follows the story of Simon, a rogue British redcoat who becomes immortal in 1776 after an encounter with the “Founding Fathers”, a secret organization that consists of George Washington, John Hancock, and many other well-known leaders from the American Revolutionary War.

Throughout the series, Simon aligns himself with many iconic historical figures. He also has many enemies who are just as famous as his allies. His adversaries include Benedict Arnold, Albert Einstein, and Annie Oakley.

Prior to Redcoat, Johns and Hitch worked together on Geiger 80-Page Giant, a one-shot comic that introduced the series’ main character. The duo were also supposed to collaborate on a new Justice Society of America series for DC Comics’ “New Golden Age.” However, that project unfortunately never came to fruition.

The two creators are very well respected among comic book fans and are considered to be some of the most iconic people in the industry. Both have incredible stories under their belts. Aside from Image and DC, Johns and Hitch have also worked on several projects for Marvel Comics. Johns had a great run on Avengers from 2002 to 2004 (issues #57 – #76). He also wrote several miniseries, such as The Thing: Freakshow, Icons: The Vision, and Morlocks.

Hitch collaborated with Mark Millar on an incredible run of Fantastic Four, which began in 2009. He is the artist for the current Venom ongoing series and Ultimate Invasion, which established Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe.