For a time, it appeared Warrior Nun was destined to join a long list of cancelled Netflix series with a passionate fanbase unable to save it. However, there's now fresh hope that the franchise could make a surprise comeback, albeit not quite in the way fans might expect.
A few years ago, there were rumblings about continuing the popular series through a trilogy of movies after Netflix cancelled it following its second season. Those movies didn't materialise, and that seemed to be the end of the story. Now, though, series creator Simon Barry is once again seeking to resurrect the franchise.
Deadline (via SFFGazette.com) reports that Barry and his Vancouver-based company Reality Distortion Field (RDF) are in final talks to license some of the underlying rights to the original Warrior Nun Areala comic book series and related IP. The manga-style American comic, created by Ben Dunn and published by Antarctic Press, spans more than 100 issues and specials, so there's heaps of storytelling potential.
The intention is to use that underlying IP as the foundation for a new film and television universe. The negotiations are taking place with Perfect Circle Productions, headed by Dean English, which holds the live-action adaptation rights to Warrior Nun Areala. The previous deal that was being explored by Barry and another company has since expired, opening the door for RDF to pursue a different future for the franchise.
The TV series starred Alba Baptista, Kristina Tonteri-Young and Lorena Andrea. It revolved around an orphaned teen who, after waking up in a morgue, discovers she now possesses superpowers as the chosen Halo-Bearer for a secret sect of demon-hunting nuns.
Although Netflix pulled the plug after two seasons, Warrior Nun developed a passionate global following and earned strong audience approval ratings. That fanbase subsequently campaigned heavily for the series to be brought back. While Barry previously envisioned a trilogy of movies that could continue the story told in the Netflix series, it sounds like his new plans are even more ambitious.
RDF says securing the available rights to the comic book series would allow it to explore previously untouched elements of the Warrior Nun universe. Alas, fans shouldn't expect to see the original cast reunited just yet. It's said that there are currently no discussions with Baptista, Tonteri-Young, Andrea or the other original cast members about returning.
"Returning to the Warrior Nun universe is something I’ve been thinking about since the original series aired," Barry said today. "We have a fabulous opportunity not only to dive into more fantastic stories from elements of the Warrior Nun universe, but also to bring our incredible global fanbase of nunkind more of what they loved from the comic book series."
RDF will be attending the Toronto Film Festival this week, where the company plans to discuss its Warrior Nun plans with potential partners.
For fans who spent years hoping that Warrior Nun would somehow find a second life, this is a step in the right direction. Only time will tell whether this latest attempt pans out, and whether there's widespread demand to continue exploring this world.