Bestselling graphic novel "Romeo and Juliet: The War" to get film treatment

PanARMENIAN.Net - Futuristic graphic novel "Romeo and Juliet: The War" is being adapted as a movie by Lionsgate, AceShowbiz said citing Variety. The studio has announced that it will team up with 1821 Media and Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment to develop the movie.

"What a treat it is to finally announce our partnership with Lionsgate on a project," said Lee. "The story of Romeo and Juliet is one of my absolute favorites, and I can't wait to bring our rendition of this classic to life."

Screenwriter John J. Griffin is on board to adapt the screenplay. Paris Kasidokostas-Latsis and Terry Dougas of 1821 Media will produce with Lee and Gill Champion of POW! executive producing. "Given their success with franchises such as 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent' series, Lionsgate is the perfect partner to adapt this graphic novel which is rich in visuals and set in an incredible, futuristic world," Kasidokostas-Latsis and Dougas said.

"The War" is a reimagining of William Shakespeare's classic story "Romeo and Juliet". The novel was created by Lee and Dougas. It was written by Max Work and illustrated by Skan Srisuwan.

Published in 2012, the novel was a New York Times bestseller. It tells the story of two groups of superhuman soldiers, the Montagues and the Capulets, who formerly work together but then turn against each other. Following the classic "Romeo and Juliet" storyline, a boy and girl from the two sides fall in love and plan to secretly marry.