Netflix acquires rights to ‘Torso’ graphic novel for feature adaptation

Netflix is developing a film adaptation of the graphic novel Torso, with producers Roy Lee and Zach Cregger on board

Netflix is moving forward with a long-in-development adaptation of Torso, the graphic novel by Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko, reviving a true-crime project that has circulated through Hollywood for more than two decades.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has picked up the film rights following a competitive bidding process, with the deal said to be in the seven-figure range. The project is currently in early development, with no writer or director attached.

Roy Lee’s Vertigo Entertainment is producing the film, reuniting Lee with Weapons filmmaker Zach Cregger, who will produce through his Subconscious banner but will not direct. Alex Hedlund and Nick Antosca will also produce via their company Eat the Cat, known for prestige true-crime projects including Candy and A Friend of the Family. Bendis and Andreyko are on board as executive producers.

Originally published by Image Comics as a six-issue limited series, Torso chronicles Elliot Ness’ lesser-known years after taking down Al Capone. The story follows Ness’ move to Cleveland, where he became involved in the hunt for a serial killer who dismembered victims and left torsos in the city’s river while taunting police with letters. Bendis wrote and illustrated the series, with Andreyko co-writing.

The property has attracted major interest over the years. In the early 2000s, David Fincher was attached to direct a Paramount version with Matt Damon set to star, but the studio ultimately passed amid budget concerns and Fincher’s desire to shoot the film in black and white. Subsequent iterations involved filmmakers including David Lowery, Paul Greengrass, and Corin Hardy, though none ultimately moved forward.

The deal for Torso was finalized in late November, marking a new chapter for the project under Netflix’s banner.