FOX will make the fantasy animated series “Elfquest”.

January 15 2024

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An exciting new fantasy series is about to come true on the small screen. According to Deadline, FOX is working on a new one-hour series based on Wendy and Richard Pini's popular “Elfquest” comic book series, first published in 1978. Susan Hurwitz Arneson (known for South Park, The Tick, Preacher, Middlemost Post) will serve as showrunner, writer and executive producer, while Rodney Rothman (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and former MGM executive Adam Rosenberg will serve as executive producers. The animation will be produced by Bento Box Entertainment, owned by Fox Entertainment.

Published by Dark Horse Comics, “Elfquest” chronicles the extraordinary adventures of the wild descendants of shape-shifting aliens who crash-land on an Earth-like planet. The graphic novels begin with wolf-riding elves being driven from their forest by vengeful humans. As they discover other creatures like themselves, the elves learn their origins and their right to live freely. The series is widely acclaimed for its unique art, memorable characters, and for pioneering the depiction of women, people of color, and LGBTQ characters.

“Elfquest,” created by Wendy and Richard Pini, is one of the most successful independent comics of all time. “He has profoundly influenced many of our favorite films and creators,” Rothman said. “Together with Susan Arneson, we see their work as a perfect starting point to explore how post-Spider-Verse animation can take the fantasy genre to places never seen before. If you are an artist to whom this project speaks, please let us know. We are looking for you."

“I've always been of the opinion that it would take something very special to get me back to animation,” Arneson noted. “And I don't think there's anything more special than Elfquest. I am so excited to be part of the legacy of this epic and beautiful saga.”

Over the years, there have been several attempts to transpose the popular series to television and cinema, but none have materialized. In 1982, the Pines announced they were in talks with Nelvana to produce an animated film based on their property, and in 2008 Warner Bros announced plans to bring the saga to the big screen with Rawson Thurber as writer and director. However, the project was eventually abandoned, deemed too similar to another fantasy epic of the time, "The Lord of the Rings".

The new FOX series promises to revolutionize the fantasy genre through animation, taking advantage of the innovative techniques introduced by "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse". With a top-notch production team and a story that has already captured the hearts of many fans, “Elfquest” promises to be an ambitious project and a significant addition to the television entertainment landscape.

This television adaptation represents a historic moment for “Elfquest,” bringing the series to new audiences and breathing new life into a fantasy world full of adventures and unforgettable characters. With powerful storytelling and inclusive representation, “Elfquest” is ready to make its mark on the animated series universe.