November 2025 saw reports that HBO was developing a TV adaptation of Alan Moore’s 1982-1985 political graphic novel, V for Vendetta, which also saw a film adaptation in 2005 by director James McTeigue and writers Lily and Lana Wachowski, starring Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea and John Hurt.
The narrative references and critiques a dystopian landscape where fascism and authoritarian ideals have taken over and made life devoid of freedom, prompting an anarchist known only as V to kickstart a revolutionary campaign, whilst donning a Guy Fawkes mask.
2005’s V for Vendetta saw critical and commercial success, with critics praising its visuals and thought-provoking narrative, and grossed $134.7 million on a budget of $50–54 million. However, Moore was unsatisfied with the finished product of his original work, feeling the direction watered his political undertones down, that the film offered a simplified ‘Hollywood’ take which diluted V’s ambiguity and divisive actions into a strictly heroic model and a heavy focus on violence and aesthetic pleasure.
Two decades on from V for Vendetta’s film release, it was confirmed that Pete Jackson would write the series re-telling, with DC Studios‘ James Gunn and Peter Safran handling executive production. Warner Bros. Television was also set to produce, alongside Ben Stephenson and Leanne Klein. However, internal reports have shared the unfortunate news that the series adaptation has hit a bump in the road due to divisive stylistic choices between Jackson and HBO.
“I’m told that HBO has passed on Jackson’s script,” entertainment critic Jeff Sneider confirms. “One source told me that Jackson delivered a period-themed take on the material, while HBO was curious to see what a more modern take on a political anarchist might look like.”
HBO or Jackson have yet to comment.
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