“Julius” Latest Graphic Novel Targeted For Film

Variety is reporting that the Oni Press graphic novel Julius, written by Antony Johnston with art by Brett Weldele, is the latest project optioned for feature film treatment. According to the report, Mandalay Pictures has purchased the rights to Julius, with F. Gary Gray (Friday, Be Cool) named as director.

Mandalay prexy Cathy Schulman said that Gray "has a vision for this adaptation that will satirize obsessive consumerism while providing a thrilling ride for audiences."

Eric Gitter of Closed on Mondays Entertainment, the producing arm of Oni Press, will produce; Oni’s Peter Schwerin and Joe Nozemack exec produce. Schulman, David Zelon and Jonathan Krauss will oversee the project for Mandalay.

Confession time, folks: I’ve never even heard of Julius. However, with the rate at which projects are being released and optioned these days (with some projects optioned well before they’re released), this has become a far more frequent occurrence with me. Has anyone else out there read this one and/or feel inclined to comment on it?