Onyx Collective Orders ‘Southern Bastards’ Pilot

Onyx Collective, the content hub on Hulu dedicated to curating culturally specific and inclusive narratives, has officially ordered a pilot for a series adaptation of the critically acclaimed comic book series, ‘Southern Bastards’. This significant development brings together a formidable team of industry veterans, including Bill Dubuque, Nia DaCosta, and Matt Olmstead, poised to bring the gritty, Southern-fried crime saga to the screen.

The ‘Southern Bastards’ Adaptation Takes Shape

The news of Onyx Collective’s pilot order for ‘Southern Bastards’ has generated considerable interest among fans of the graphic novel and enthusiasts of prestige television. The project is set to delve into the dark underbelly of Craw County, Alabama, a setting defined by its deep-seated corruption and unforgiving power dynamics. The official logline for the series introduces “a tenacious military vet into Craw County, Alabama, in search of her estranged father. What she finds is a murderous hornet’s nest of organized crime run by the winningest high school football coach in the South.”

This premise promises a narrative rich in tension, moral ambiguity, and visceral storytelling, mirroring the essence of the original comic series. The adaptation aims to capture the unique blend of Southern noir and character-driven drama that made the source material a standout.

A Visionary Creative Team

The pilot order for ‘Southern Bastards’ is backed by a powerhouse creative team, each bringing a distinct and impressive resume to the table. This collective expertise suggests a nuanced and impactful adaptation.

Bill Dubuque’s Return to Gritty Dramas

Bill Dubuque, known for his masterful storytelling in the crime genre, is heavily involved in the ‘Southern Bastards’ pilot. He is credited with writing the teleplay and sharing a co-story credit with Nia DaCosta, in addition to serving as an executive producer. Dubuque’s most notable work includes co-creating the Emmy Award-winning Netflix series “Ozark,” a show celebrated for its complex characters and intense narrative, which aired for four seasons. His experience in crafting intricate crime dramas makes him a fitting choice for the Southern Gothic world of ‘Southern Bastards’. Beyond television, Dubuque has also penned feature films such as “The Judge” and “The Accountant.”

Nia DaCosta’s Directorial Flair

Nia DaCosta will direct the pilot and executive produce through her banner, The Once and Future Inc. DaCosta has rapidly established herself as a significant voice in contemporary cinema, known for her ability to infuse genre films with depth and character. Her directorial credits include the critically acclaimed “Little Woods,” the Jordan Peele-produced reboot of “Candyman,” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “The Marvels.” Her involvement suggests a visually compelling and character-focused approach to the adaptation. This marks DaCosta’s second venture into television directing, following her work on two episodes of the British series “Top Boy.”

Matt Olmstead as Showrunner

Matt Olmstead is set to serve as the showrunner and an executive producer for the ‘Southern Bastards’ pilot. Olmstead brings extensive experience in episodic television, particularly in the realm of procedural dramas. He is a co-creator of the popular “Chicago Med” and “Chicago P.D.” series, both of which have enjoyed long and successful runs. His previous showrunning roles on series like “Prison Break,” “NYPD Blue,” and “FBI International” underscore his capability to manage complex narratives and deliver engaging television week after week. Olmstead’s leadership as showrunner will be crucial in shaping the series’ long-term vision.

The Original Creators and Other Producers

Jason Aaron and Jason Latour, the acclaimed creators of the original ‘Southern Bastards’ comic books, are also on board as executive producers, ensuring that the adaptation remains true to its roots. Layne Eskridge will executive produce via POV Entertainment, with Proximity Media and Gabriel Nadig also serving as executive producers. This collective of talent aims to deliver an authentic and compelling adaptation.

The Acclaimed Source Material

‘Southern Bastards’ originally ran as a comic book series from 2014 to 2018, quickly garnering a reputation for its unflinching portrayal of rural crime and complex characters. The series received widespread critical acclaim and audience praise, earning the Harvey Award for Best New Series in 2015 and multiple Eisner Awards in 2016. Its recognition within the comic book industry speaks to the narrative strength and artistic merit that the creative team will now translate to the screen. The comics are known for their distinctive art style and gritty, hard-boiled storytelling, set against the backdrop of a decaying Southern town ruled by a tyrannical high school football coach.

What to Expect from Craw County

The ordering of the ‘Southern Bastards’ pilot by Onyx Collective signifies a commitment to telling raw, character-driven stories. With Bill Dubuque’s experience in crafting morally ambiguous characters and intricate plotlines, Nia DaCosta’s keen eye for direction and atmospheric storytelling, and Matt Olmstead’s proven track record in serialized drama, the series is well-positioned to become a compelling addition to the crime drama landscape. Viewers can likely anticipate a show that explores themes of loyalty, corruption, family, and the enduring struggle for justice in a place where it seems almost impossible to find.

Conclusion

The ‘Southern Bastards’ pilot order from Onyx Collective, featuring the combined talents of Bill Dubuque, Nia DaCosta, and Matt Olmstead, represents a promising venture into a world both familiar and distinctly Southern. The adaptation of this acclaimed graphic novel, helmed by such a capable team, holds the potential to deliver a powerful and resonant narrative that explores the darker facets of human nature and the complexities of a community entrenched in its own unique brand of crime. Fans of the comic and lovers of intense, character-driven dramas will undoubtedly be watching with keen interest as this project moves forward.