Ex Machina, the sci-fi comic book written by Brian K. Vaughan, is getting adapted into a movie titled The Great Machine. Beginning in 2004 and ending in 2010 with issue #50, Ex-Machina was published by DC Comics as part of its Wildstorm imprint. Vaughan, who has spoken out in the past about how the series emerged out of his anger with political leadership, viewed Ex-Machina as a chance to explore contemporary events through the often heightened lens of the comic book world. The approach proved successful, garnering the prestigious Eisner Award in 2005 for Best New Series. Ex Machina is only the latest title by Vaughan to be adapted into another form.
The comic focused on Mitchell Hundred. After an explosion, resulting from an extra-dimensional device at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, Mitchell is scarred permanently. With markings on the left side of his face and body which resemble a circuit board, he soon gains the ability to command and communicate with machines. A wide variety of objects fall under this category, everything from cars to cellphones, which leaves Mitchell with responsibilities that could be overwhelming. In general, however, Ex Machina would regularly deal directly with political themes; pushing heroic elements to the side. In many cases, the emphasis was placed more on Mitchell’s responsibilities as the Mayor of New York City in the aftermath of September 11. Real life figures, such as Senator John McCain, also factored into the world of Ex Machina.
According to THR, Ex Machina is headed to the big screen. The story will reportedly aim to balance both sides of Mitchell’s life, with his career in politics at risk when the source of his powers returns to claim its debt. Vaughan is linked to the project as a producer, with Anna Waterhouse and Joe Shrapnel selected to pen the script. The adaptation, titled The Great Machine, to avoid confusion with Alex Garland’s film of the same name, is being developed by Legendary Pictures. New Line Cinema had been planning its own on take on Ex Machina, though it never materialized and the rights to the sci-fi series reverted back to its creators.
As a duo, the writing team of Waterhouse and Shrapnel have collaborated on several films. Most recently, they worked on Seberg which features Kristen Stewart in the lead role. They also wrote the war drama The Aftermath, in addition to their uncredited work on Captain Marvel.
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Source: THR
