A highly anticipated television series adaptation of “V for Vendetta” is currently in development at HBO, as exclusively revealed by Variety. The project, set to bring the iconic DC Comics series to the small screen, will feature Pete Jackson attached as the writer. James Gunn and Peter Safran of DC Studios are slated to executive produce, alongside Ben Stephenson via Poison Pen and Leanne Klein of Wall to Wall Media, a part of Warner Bros. Television Studios UK. Warner Bros. Television will be the producing entity. Both HBO and DC Studios have declined to comment on the ongoing development, and representatives for Jackson have not yet responded to inquiries.

“V for Vendetta” originated as a seminal comic serial crafted by writer Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd. It first appeared in 1982 within the British anthology “Warrior.” Following the cancellation of “Warrior,” DC Comics acquired the rights and began publishing the series in full in 1988, establishing its enduring legacy in the comic book world.

The narrative of “V for Vendetta” unfolds in a dystopian, not-too-distant future in Britain, specifically around the 1990s, where the country is under the oppressive rule of the fascistic Norsefire party. In this police state, which has seen the extermination of most racial and sexual minorities, the sole opposition emerges in the enigmatic figure known only as V. This anarchist, recognized by his distinctive Guy Fawkes mask, embarks on a series of terrorist attacks against the ruling class, seeking to dismantle the tyrannical government. He finds an unlikely ally in Evey Hammond, a young woman whom V rescues from the country’s secret police, and together they challenge the established order. As the story progresses, V's intricate plans to topple the government unfold, and glimpses into his mysterious past are partially revealed.

The powerful graphic novel was previously adapted into a feature film in 2005. This cinematic version, produced by Lana and Lily Wachowski, starred Hugo Weaving as the titular V and Natalie Portman as Evey. Directed by James McTeigue, with a screenplay by the Wachowskis, the film garnered positive critical reviews upon its release and achieved a worldwide gross exceeding $130 million. Its popularity has persisted, leading Warner Bros. to announce a theatrical re-release in November 2026 to commemorate its 20th anniversary, although it diverged in many ways from the original graphic novel.

The chosen writer for the series, Pete Jackson (not to be confused with “The Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson), is a notable talent in television. He is recognized for his work on the Channel 4 series “Somewhere Boy,” which aired in 2022, earning him a nomination for the BAFTA TV Award for writing for a drama series and sharing in its nomination for best drama series. Jackson is also the writer behind the upcoming Sky Atlantic series “The Death of Bunny Munro,” based on Nick Cave's book of the same name and starring Matt Smith. He is repped by UTA.

Should the “V for Vendetta” series move forward, it will join a growing roster of DC Studios' live-action shows finding a home at HBO. The premium cabler previously aired the acclaimed drama “The Penguin,” a direct follow-up to Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” which starred Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti and won nine Emmy Awards. Upcoming on HBO is the drama series “Lanterns,” featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, expected to premiere in early 2026. Additionally, HBO notably aired the critically-acclaimed drama “Watchmen” in 2019, which served as a sequel to the original graphic novel by Moore and Dave Gibbons, predating Gunn and Safran's appointment as heads of DC's film and TV business.

Efforts to adapt “V for Vendetta” for television have been made before; Channel 4 had attempted a series but it ultimately did not progress. Furthermore, the DC series “Pennyworth,” which chronicled the origins of Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred in 1960s London, was initially conceived to serve as a prequel to “V for Vendetta,” depicting the genesis of fascism’s rise in an alternate Britain. However, those plans for a full “V for Vendetta” prequel storyline never came to fruition, as the series was canceled after three seasons.