Buck Rogers Movie: Zeb Wells Tapped to Write Script

Get ready, sci-fi fans! Legendary is finally pushing forward with their Buck Rogers film, bringing a big Marvel name to pen the script.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop!

Legendary has hired Deadpool & Wolverine co-writer Zeb Wells to script the new Buck Rogers movie.
The iconic sci-fi hero, a World War I veteran who wakes up 500 years in the future, is finally getting a big-screen revival.
Legendary secured rights in 2020, with plans for a potential transmedia franchise, though details for TV/anime are still to be determined.

It's been a long time coming, but the stars are finally aligning for one of sci-fi's original heroes! Legendary, the powerhouse studio known for bringing us epic sagas like Dune and recently conquering the box office with A Minecraft Movie, has officially brought on board none other than Zeb Wells to pen the script for their highly anticipated Buck Rogers feature film. This is big news for fans of classic space adventure!

This exciting development comes roughly five years after Legendary first secured the screen rights to the iconic character in 2020. At the time, the studio made waves by reportedly eyeing a full-blown transmedia franchise – envisioning not just a blockbuster movie, but also a live-action series and even an anime adaptation. While we don't have concrete updates on those small-screen endeavors just yet, getting a top-tier writer like Wells for the feature film signals that the big-screen reboot is now firmly in hyperspeed.

Zeb Wells: The Acclaimed Writer Steering Buck Rogers into a New Era

If Zeb Wells’ name is ringing bells, it’s because he’s been absolutely crushing it across various creative fronts, especially within the Marvel universe. He’s fresh off a monumental achievement as a co-writer for Deadpool & Wolverine, a film that didn't just entertain, but also stormed the box office to become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. This demonstrates his ability to craft compelling narratives for massive, action-packed blockbusters that resonate with a huge audience.

But his talents aren't limited to the big screen! Wells is also the creative force behind Disney+’s Marvel Zombies, serving as its creator and executive producer. This animated series, which debuted on September 24, quickly soared to become the platform's top-performing animated show. His work on Marvel Zombies showcases a keen understanding of genre storytelling, from high-stakes sci-fi to fantastical elements, all delivered with an engaging, modern sensibility. This versatility is exactly what Buck Rogers needs – a writer who can honor its pulp roots while making it feel fresh and relevant today.

Beyond his film and TV success, Wells is an Emmy- and Annie Award-winning writer, producer, and director with a diverse portfolio that includes the critically acclaimed Adult Swim comedy series Robot Chicken. Moreover, he’s a prolific and respected comic book scribe, having penned numerous acclaimed titles for Marvel Comics, including extensive runs on The Amazing Spider-Man and even a unique one-shot crossover comic, Deadpool/Batman. His deep experience in crafting character-driven stories, action sequences, and engaging dialogue across different media makes him an exceptional choice to bring the 25th-century hero back to life. He truly understands how to build worlds and heroes that captivate audiences.

Unraveling the Enduring Legacy of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century

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For those unfamiliar with this cornerstone of science fiction, Buck Rogers isn't merely another space adventurer; he’s arguably the blueprint for much of what we love about the genre today. The character made his initial splash in 1928, appearing in Philip Francis Nowlan's groundbreaking novella Armageddon 2419 A.D., which found its home in the pages of the revolutionary pulp magazine Amazing Stories. This was a time when imaginative tales were printed on cheap paper, igniting the imaginations of millions.

Nowlan’s ingenious premise introduced us to Anthony Rogers (who would later be famously renamed "Buck"): a World War I veteran whose life takes an extraordinary turn. Trapped in a collapsed Pennsylvania coal mine and exposed to radioactive gas, he falls into a state of suspended animation, only to awaken approximately five centuries later. Suddenly, he's in the 25th century, a world vastly different from his own, and inevitably drawn into a thrilling struggle against foreign invaders or a dystopian future. This "Rip Van Winkle meets outer space" concept was nothing short of revolutionary for its time.

The enduring influence of Buck Rogers cannot be overstated. His adventures popularized many futuristic concepts that are now standard tropes in science fiction: think ray guns, sleek rocket ships, personal jet packs, and powerful laser beams. This vision of a technologically advanced future captivated audiences and directly influenced a parade of subsequent heroes and sagas. Icons like Flash Gordon and Adam Strange owe a debt to Buck, and perhaps most famously, the very fabric of George Lucas's Star Wars was inspired by these early cosmic adventures. Buck Rogers was not just entertainment; it was a foundational text for the entire sci-fi genre, shaping how generations imagined space, technology, and heroism.

Buck Rogers: A Rich History Across Multiple Entertainment Platforms

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Buck Rogers was far too popular to remain confined to the pages of pulp magazines. His captivating adventures quickly transcended print, becoming a true multimedia phenomenon of his era.

Pioneering Comic Strips: Building on the novella's success, the comic strip Buck Rogers in the 25th Century A.D. debuted in newspapers in 1929. It became an instant sensation, reaching millions of readers daily across the globe and solidifying Buck’s place as a household name alongside characters like Tarzan and Mickey Mouse.
Aural Adventures on Radio: In 1932, the hero jumped to the airwaves with his own popular radio serial, allowing audiences to imagine the futuristic soundscapes and thrilling escapades through their own minds.
Early Cinematic Exploits: The character also made his visual debut on screen. A short 10-minute film premiered at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, giving audiences a glimpse of the future. Then, in 1939, Universal Pictures produced a wildly successful 12-part film serial starring Buster Crabbe, who was already a star for his portrayal of Flash Gordon. This cemented Buck Rogers' live-action presence in cinemas.
Television's Frontier: Buck Rogers was an early adopter of the new medium of television, featuring in a series from 1950 to 1951. Decades later, riding the huge wave of Star Wars' success in the late 1970s, NBC launched the most widely recognized adaptation: Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1981), starring Gil Gerard as the charismatic lead. Interestingly, the feature-length pilot episode for this series was initially released as a theatrical film in 1979, proving popular enough to spawn the weekly program.

Beyond these narrative adaptations, Buck Rogers was also a merchandising juggernaut, becoming one of the earliest licensing bonanzas. Toys, clothing, bedding, and more bore his image for decades, making him a pervasive cultural icon.

Legendary's Ambitious Plans for a 25th Century Revival

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While the initial 2020 announcement hinted at a sprawling transmedia franchise for Buck Rogers, the current focus seems squarely on the feature film. Legendary has Mary Parent and Cale Boyter overseeing the project, a clear indicator of its importance within the studio's slate. These executives have been key figures behind many of Legendary's major productions, bringing significant experience to the table.

As for the storyline, plot details for Zeb Wells’ script are being kept tightly under wraps. This allows for a fresh, unburdened take on the classic material, without being confined by previous adaptations. The absence of specific plot leaks also builds anticipation, encouraging fans to speculate on how Wells will modernize the "man out of time" narrative and integrate the iconic sci-fi elements.

What about those TV and anime series? Back in 2020, acclaimed comic book writer Brian K. Vaughan (Saga, Y: The Last Man) was reportedly attached to pen the scripts for a potential Buck Rogers TV show. A year later, in 2021, reports even suggested that George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures was on board to co-produce, with Clooney himself expressing interest in starring in the small-screen version. However, since then, there haven't been any further updates on these specific television projects. It's currently unclear if these plans are still active or if Legendary is consolidating its efforts primarily on the feature film, letting Wells' script guide the initial rebirth of the franchise.

Legendary, as a studio, has a proven track record for successful adaptations and building franchises. This year alone, A Minecraft Movie brought in over $957 million worldwide, showcasing their ability to translate beloved properties to the screen. Looking ahead, their slate for next year is packed with potential tentpole projects, including the live-action/animated hybrid Animal Friends, a new film from the acclaimed Alejandro González Iñárritu starring Tom Cruise, the highly anticipated Street Fighter movie (which could launch another major franchise), and of course, Dune: Part Three. Buck Rogers clearly fits into this strategy of leveraging well-known IPs with creative talent to build enduring cinematic universes.

The Enduring Appeal and Challenges of Reintroducing a Classic Hero

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In today's landscape, saturated with countless superheroes and sprawling cinematic universes, some might wonder if classic pulp heroes like Buck Rogers can truly find a new generation of fans. Historically, other iconic figures from that "old guard" – such as The Phantom, The Lone Ranger, or even Flash Gordon – have faced challenges connecting with modern audiences on the big screen, often struggling to replicate the success of contemporary superhero franchises. It’s a valid concern; making an almost 100-year-old character feel current and exciting without losing his essence is no small feat.

However, Buck Rogers possesses an inherent appeal that transcends specific eras. His core premise – a man from our time thrust into a bewildering, dangerous, but also wondrous future – is a timeless narrative that explores themes of adaptation, survival, and identity. He’s the ultimate underdog hero, relying on his wits and grit rather than superpowers. More importantly, he represents the very origin point for so much of the sci-fi that came after him. Reintroducing him isn't just about nostalgia; it's about celebrating a foundational pillar of speculative fiction.

With Zeb Wells at the helm of the script, Legendary has made a smart move. Wells has demonstrated a remarkable ability to blend sharp humor, compelling action, and a deep respect for established lore, all while infusing fresh energy (as seen in Deadpool & Wolverine and Marvel Zombies). This combination makes him uniquely suited to navigate the complexities of modernizing Buck Rogers while retaining the swashbuckling charm that made him a legend. It’s an opportunity to educate a new audience about where many of their favorite sci-fi tropes originated, and to remind seasoned fans why they fell in love with the 25th century in the first place.

While we eagerly await casting news, a director announcement, and those crucial plot details, the fact that Legendary and Zeb Wells are actively developing this film is incredibly exciting. The journey to the 25th century has officially begun, and we'll be here for all the updates as they unfold!

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Buck Rogers Movie

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Q: Who is writing the new Buck Rogers movie script?

A: Zeb Wells, known for co-writing Deadpool & Wolverine and creating Marvel Zombies, has been tapped to write the script for Legendary's Buck Rogers film.

Q: What is the Buck Rogers movie about?

A: Plot details are currently under wraps for the new film. However, the original story features a World War I veteran who wakes up 500 years in the future after being in suspended animation and finds himself fighting against invaders in the 25th century.

Q: Is George Clooney involved in the new Buck Rogers project?

A: In 2021, reports suggested George Clooney was interested in starring in and producing a Buck Rogers TV series through Smokehouse Pictures. However, there has been no confirmation on his current involvement, and the film project with Zeb Wells is the one currently moving forward.

Q: When is the Buck Rogers movie expected to be released?

A: A release date for the new Buck Rogers film has not yet been announced. The project is still in the early stages of development with the script being written.