Y: The Last Man is finally, finally coming to the small screen.
Deadline reports that Atlanta network FX ordered a TV pilot adaptation of the comic book series after an extended period of development at the network. The series follows Yorick, the last man on Earth following an instantaneous plague-ish wipeout of every male, as he navigates a world of women, introducing him to new political systems and ways to survive.
Y is the Vertigo Comics brainchild of artist Pia Guerra and writer Brian K. Vaughn, the same guy who brought forth Runaways, currently on Hulu. He's also known for the uber-popular sci-fi fantasy comic Saga, which has become somewhat of a flagship for indie giant Image Comics, home of The Walking Dead.
Michael Green, who co-created another adaptation, Neil Gaiman's American Gods on Starz, wrote the Y script and will play co-showrunner with Aida Mashaka Croal (Luke Cage, Turn). Melina Matsoukas, who's known for her brilliant work on Insecure and Master of None, alongside countless music videos like Beyonce's "Formation" video, will direct the pilot.
The adaptation has been in development for awhile. Back in November, Vaughn spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about having Green on board to pen the script. "He's a beautiful writer. Wow, can that guy write. I wanted to find someone who loved the source material, but didn't feel so indebted to it that they would be afraid to change it," he said. "When he first pitched his take on it to Nina Jacobson, our producer, and me a long time ago, he came in saying he wanted to do something about toxic masculinity. It felt very relevant, and unfortunately, I think it's only become more relevant with each passing day. His take on it was really brave and very different, but exciting as well. I really admire how audacious he's been with his translation."
Beginning in 2002, Y: The Last Man ran for 60 issues. In that time it won three Eisner Awards and one Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story.
