Jake Gyllenhaal is back for another comic book adaptation, but this time he’ll play a hero. The “Spiderman: Far From Home” actor is set to star in the New Republic Pictures’ “Oblivion Song,” based on Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici’s graphic novel.
Gyllenhaal will play Nathan Cole, a man who makes daily trips to the apocalyptic hellscape of Philadelphia, known as Oblivion, to try and rescue those remaining after the fallout that occurred 10 years earlier. It’s a mission the government gave up years ago, but one that Cole cannot let go of.
Gyllenhaal’s production company Nine Stories will produce the film with Riva Marker and Kirkman himself.
“We couldn’t be more excited to find such great partners in New Republic and Nine Stories. Both companies have a tremendous reputation for premium storytelling at the highest level, and we can’t wait to see Jake bring this character to life on the big screen,” Kirkman said in a statement. “We are so fortunate to have assembled a team that is as passionate about this comic as we are.”
Kirkman is best known for co-creating “The Walking Dead” and “Invincible,” which was recently adapted into a hit, animated Amazon Prime show starring Steven Yeun and J.K. Simmons, as well as for his work writing Marvel Comics such as “Ultimate X-Men “and “Irredeemable Ant-Man.”
Marker’s previous producing credits include “Beasts Of No Nation,” the comedic drama “The Kids Are All Right,” and Paul Dano’s “Wildlife,” in which Gyllenhaal also starred.
“When faced with a cataclysmic event that permanently alters our lives, what would we choose to save? Just as Kirkman did with “The Walking Dead” and “Invincible,” in “Oblivion Song” he’s created the potential for a franchise that is profoundly entertaining,” said Marker in a statement. “[It’s] the perfect opportunity to explore big questions we’re reckoning with globally.”
The script is reportedly in early development, and a director has yet to be confirmed. As for Gyllenhaal, he’ll be starring in Michael Bay’s action thriller “Ambulance,” as well as Antoine Fuqua’s American crime thriller “The Guilty.”
