Amazon Studios has announced [via Deadline] that a live-action Hellsing feature film is in development for the streamer with John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad spearheading development.
Speaking to Deadline, Kolstad stated, "Ever since my brother introduced me to the Hellsing manga and anime some years ago, I’ve been obsessed with adapting it. And when Mike Callaghan and his team managed to secure the rights to then partner us up with Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Amazon, I mean -damn, dude- this is a dream.”
Kouta Hiran started the Hellsing manga series in 1997 in the monthly seinen manga magazine Young King OURs. After periodical delays, the series concluded in 2008 at 10 volumes. Dark Horse Comics owns the North American distribution license for the series.
The franchise is probably best known for its 13-episode, 2001 anime adaptation from Studio Gonzo. A 10-episode OVA titled Hellsing Ultimate followed in 2006. The 2001 series largely featured an original story while the 2006 OVA followed the source material more closely. The anime also gained a large swath of North American fans when it aired on Toonami's Adult Swim in 2014.
There's no time table on when the project is expected to start casting roles or entering into production but the Hellsing name will garner high interest from anime fans now that it has been revealed.
There's a secret organization somewhere in England created to defend the Queen and country from monsters of all sorts. Yes, it's hard to believe in this day and age... but really, isn't this the true age of monsters?
Enter Hellsing, an agency, long in tooth, with the experience, know-how, and... er... equipment to handle the problems that arise when vampires, ghouls, and the like take on these dark forces. "What equipment?" you may say. How about another vampire, and a big pistol loaded with special silver bullets? That oughta do the trick. But what really knocks 'em dead is the sharp wit, awesome artwork, and crazy, bloody action that make up the manga.