Every so often you get news that is sure to blow the minds of many different corners of the pop culture universe. This is one of those pieces of news. Fan-favorite director Taika Waititi will direct an adaptation of The Incal, a masterpiece sci-fi graphic novel from El Topo director Alejandro Jodorowsky and legendary artist Moebius. Oh yeah, and all of this springs from Jodorowsky and Moebius’ failed attempts to make a Dune movie.
Damn.
Originally published between 1980-1988, The Incal is set in a dystopian society and follows shabby private investigator John Difool, who happens upon a powerful artifact known as The Incal that is sought by many factions across the galaxy. Joined by a ragtag crew, Difool embarks on an unlikely journey to save the universe and learn the true duality and meaning of existence.
Some concepts and style of The Incal are borrowed from Jodorowsky and Moebius’ unused Dune adaptation. What they ended up with might be even better, anyway. The Incal is considered a classic and has been revered for decades.
“The films and graphic novels of Alejandro Jodorowsky have influenced me and so many others for so long,” said Waititi. “I was stunned to be given the opportunity to bring his iconic characters to life and I am grateful to Alejandro, Fabrice and everyone at Humanoids for trusting me to do so.”
Waititi will not only direct, but work on the script alongside Jemaine Clement and Peter Warren.
Next up for Waititi is his soccer film Next Goal Wins. He’s currently working on Marvel’s Thor: Love & Thunder, and has a Star Wars movie coming sometime down the line.
