Garth Ennis’ controversial Crossed series finally gets its film adaptation moving forward with filming set to begin this year
The person in charge of bringing this story to feature film format will be Rob Jabbazknown for his shocking and brutal horror film The sadness (2021), which already showed clear influences of Crossed. According to recent statements, Him filming will begin in Marchwith Jabbaz at the helm and a script written by himself Ennis along with the original artist of the series, Jacen Burrows. Production companies like it Six studies, Retro entertainment Yes Night Sky Productions are behind the project, although they haven’t been revealed yet distribution details.
What is Crossed about?
If you’re not familiar with the series, here’s a short summary (and disturbing): Crossed poses an apocalyptic scenario in which a virus unleashes the worst instincts of their victims, transforming them into ruthless sadists and psychopaths. First released in 2008 under the label AvatarPressthe series began as a standalone story of ten numbersbut his unexpected success gave rise to extended universe with spin-offs and sequels, including miniseries Crossed: family values, Crossed: psychopath and the long-lived Crossed: Badlandswhich he achieved 100 numbers. In total, the saga amounts to more than 249 deliveries between comics and web content.
The virus of Crossed Not only does it physically transform its bearers, with a grotesque cross on their faces, but it robs them of all humanity, leaving them as unscrupulous beastscapable of performing indescribable acts. The narrative doesn’t skimp graphic violenceexploring the limits of the horror genre.
Rob Jabbaz and his connection to Crossed
For fans of extreme horror, the name Rob Jabbaz It probably already sounds familiar. His directorial debut with The sadness he clarified his domination of gore and disturbing themes. It is no coincidence that this film has been compared Crossedand Jabbaz recognizes that it was a direct inspiration. Regarding the project, he commented: “It was a true pleasure working with Garth Ennis and Six Studios on development Crossed. From day one, our main goal has been to offer a faithful adaptation to the original series, but with some new surprises. I hope the audience is ready for it.”
The combination of Jabbaz and Ennis ensures that this adaptation will be a visceral journey, full of violence, desperation and a raw portrait of the human nature. However, this approach also generated dispute: Own The sadness has received criticism for use of sexual violencesomething that is also a recurring theme in the comics of Crossed.
A faithful adaptation, but without a release date
The film’s script promises to hold up very close to the original story. According to the manufacturer of Six studies, Carlo Choithe screenplay written by Ennis It is “the most faithful adaptation possible”. Even if they don’t know each other specific plot detailsthe official synopsis teases that the film will follow a group of survivors trying to make their way in a world devastated by a pandemic that forces the infected to act out their darkest thoughts. In essence, this apocalypse is a warped mirror of human horrors.
Since it was announced green light For the project in August 2024, fans were eager for more details, but for now the premiere remains one mystery. What is clear is that this adaptation will be everything fans of the comic expected: brutal, uncompromising and terrifying.
What does this mean for horror films?
The arrival of Crossed cinema opens a new door extreme horror comic adaptationsa genre little explored in Hollywood. Titles like The walking dead they demonstrated the power of post-apocalyptic horror, but Crossed He plays in a completely different league. If the film can capture the crudeness and the emotional impact of the comic, could establish a new norm for such productions.
For followers of Ennisthis is a unique opportunity see his work brought to a different medium, but the question that remains is whether the general public will be prepared for something so extreme. Will the film be able to overcome the barriers of good taste without alienating viewers?
Dare I face the wildest apocalypse ever told? One thing is certain: Crossed it will not leave anyone indifferent.