Brian Helgeland Directing Graphic Novel Adaption Button Man

Brian Helgeland

by James White |
Published on

Yes, if you skim-read the headline, you too might be convinced that the man who wrote L.A. Confidential was now handling an adaptation of cult 1980s kids' show Button Moon{ =nofollow}. Which, if we're truly honest with ourselves, we would watch the heck out of. Instead, Brian Helgeland's attached to adapt John Wagner and Arthur Ranson's graphic novel Button Man.

This would be the story of ex-military contractor Harry Exton, considered the first true hero of the post-truth age. Exton’s a proxy in a clandestine competition among the super rich. Paid to fight to the death in modern-day gladiatorial contests, Exton sets out on a relentless journey to use these twisted elites’ own dark machine to bring their corrupt world crashing down.

DreamWorks attempted to lure Nicolas Winding Refn to the job back in 2012 (and looking at our coverage of time, we made a Button Moon joke there too, so at least we're still on brand), but nothing came of it. Now Netflix is spearheading it, with Matt Reeves involved as a producer. There's no word on when it'll start shooting, but Helgeland has the go-ahead to start finding his lead.

Keep up to date with all the latest movie news, click here to subscribe to Empire on Great Magazines and have the latest issue delivered to your door every month.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us