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Live-Action ‘XIII’ Mini-Series To Become Feature Film, Potential Ongoing TV Series?
Val Kilmer in 'XIII'Last month, we told you that political thriller “XIII,” based on a popular Belgian graphic novel, was not only picked up by NBC as a miniseries set to air this month, but would also star former Batman Val Kilmer and “Blade” actor Stephen Dorff. Now it looks like the miniseries could be the gateway to further “XIII” projects, according to producer Jay Firestone, including an ongoing series or a spin-off film.
“We’re going to see what happens with the miniseries, but it could air next fall or next winter,” Firestone told Comic Book Resources. “We’re also going to be developing a feature on the Mongoose character, which is sort of like everybody’s favorite bad guy. We’re actually developing the feature right now.”
When asked if Kilmer would reprise his role as The Mongoose, Firestone said, “We don’t have a script yet, so we’ll see. I’d love to have Val do it.”
The original comic book, which Firestone described as “a bit like the ‘Bourne Identity,’ and ‘The Manchurian Candidate,’” was exceptionally popular in France and was created by Belgians Jean Van Hamme and William Vance. The book tells the story of an amnesiac assassin with a Roman numeral for a name (Dorff), on the run after assassinating the female U.S. President. Kilmer plays The Mongoose, XIII’s contact, and the man behind the conspiracy to re-shape the American Government via revolution.
While “XIII” has already aired in France, the TV miniseries airs in the U.S. on NBC this month, beginning Sunday, Feb. 8 and concluding Feb. 15.
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