Remember, Remember: A New 'V for Vendetta' Series is Brewing at HBO

Get ready for more masked mayhem! HBO is developing a TV series based on Alan Moore's iconic graphic novel V for Vendetta, with James Gunn and Peter Safran on board to executive produce.

TL;DR

• HBO is developing a V for Vendetta TV series, with Pete Jackson writing and DC Studios' James Gunn and Peter Safran executive producing.
• The project is expected to fall under DC's "Elseworlds" banner, meaning it won't be tied to the main DC Universe continuity.
• This news comes as the 2005 film adaptation, starring Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman, prepares for a 20th-anniversary theatrical re-release in November 2026.

Picture a masked figure, cloaked in black, striking a pose that has become synonymous with rebellion and anonymity. This image, the Guy Fawkes mask from V For Vendetta, has transcended its comic book origins to become a universal symbol of protest. Now, nearly two decades after the popular film adaptation, the dystopian tale is set to be reimagined for television, with Hbo stepping up to develop a new series based on Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s seminal graphic novel.

This isn't just a casual announcement; it signals a significant move for DC Studios under co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, who will executive produce the project. They’ve tapped Pete Jackson, known for his work on the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 series Somewhere Boy, to pen the adaptation. While official comments from HBO and DC are sparse, the news, as reported by Variety, confirms that Warner Bros. Television will be producing this exciting new venture. Source: [Variety, ‘V for Vendetta’ TV Series in the Works at HBO (EXCLUSIVE), November 10, 2025].

Bringing Anarchy and Ideals to the Small Screen

For those unfamiliar, V for Vendetta plunges us into a totalitarian Britain of the near future, where the fascistic Norsefire party reigns supreme. Enter V, a masked anarchist who, after rescuing a young woman named Evey Hammond from the secret police, sets out to dismantle the oppressive government. The story began its life as a serial in the British anthology Warrior in 1982 before DC Comics took over publishing it in 1988.

Its themes — political unrest, media control, freedom of speech, and the very nature of identity and rebellion — were remarkably prescient upon its release in the 1980s and remain unsettlingly relevant today. The comic's dark political satire provides fertile ground for an extended series format, allowing for a deeper exploration of its intricate ideas and complex characters.

Before this TV series, the most recognized adaptation was the 2005 feature film, directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis. Starring Hugo Weaving as the enigmatic V and Natalie Portman as Evey, the movie was a commercial success, grossing over $134 million worldwide and earning largely positive reviews. Its enduring popularity is such that Warner Bros. plans to bring the film back to theaters on November 5, 2026, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Source: [io9, Remember, Remember, ‘V for Vendetta’ Is Back in Theaters Next November, November 10, 2025].

HBO's Proven Track Record with Complex Comic Narratives

HBO isn’t new to adapting Alan Moore's demanding works. They famously aired the critically acclaimed Watchmen series in 2019, which served as a sequel to Moore and Dave Gibbons' original graphic novel. That series, which explored themes of systemic racism through the lens of an alternate superhero universe, was a huge success, with IGN's staff even voting it the "best live-action DC series of all time." The Watchmen series wasn't a direct adaptation but rather an expansion, adding new layers to the existing narrative.

This success story sets a high bar and an interesting precedent for V for Vendetta. It remains to be seen whether Pete Jackson's series will offer a faithful, direct adaptation of the comic's pages or take a similar Watchmen-esque approach, setting an original story after the graphic novel's conclusion. Either way, the potential for a nuanced, thought-provoking show is immense, especially given HBO's reputation for prestige television.

The network is also gearing up for another significant DC project: Lanterns. This upcoming DCU series will follow Green Lanterns Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they delve into a murder mystery. Director James Hawes has teased a tone reminiscent of True Detective, but with "wit and comedy" that might surprise viewers. He also cited influences like No Country for Old Men and Fargo, suggesting a grounded yet darkly humorous approach. Source: [TV News, V for Vendetta TV series in development at HBO, Posted 1 day ago]. This shows HBO and DC are comfortable experimenting with genre and tone within the comic book realm.

"Talking tone, it looks and feels rooted. You meet two guys, but there is wit and comedy to it that you would not expect in True Detective. It is, in many ways, a buddy cop structure with travel in the story time, to and fro, that is really sophisticated."

— James Hawes, Director of Lanterns

How 'V for Vendetta' Fits DC Studios' Broader Vision

Under James Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios is carving out a distinct strategy that sets it apart from Marvel's largely interconnected universe. While they are building a new mainline DCU, they're also emphasizing "individuality" and "self-contained stories." This approach creates room for projects like V for Vendetta, which is expected to be an "Elseworlds" title, meaning it won't be part of the primary DCU canon. This allows creators to tell compelling, mature-reader stories without the pressure of fitting into a larger continuity.

This focus on standalone narratives is a calculated move. While Marvel tends to dominate monthly comic sales, DC consistently performs strongly in graphic novel sales, appealing to an audience that values complete, self-contained stories. By embracing this "Elseworlds" strategy for film and TV, Gunn and Safran are tapping into a valuable part of DC's rich publishing history, offering a type of storytelling that Marvel currently explores less frequently. It’s about telling a good story first, rather than meticulously setting up future crossovers.

Addressing Expectations and Previous Attempts

However, no discussion of Alan Moore adaptations is complete without acknowledging the creator himself. Moore has famously distanced himself from all film and television adaptations of his work, believing they misrepresent his original ideas and opposing the commercialization through "tentpole budgets." He was critical of HBO's Watchmen series, and it's highly probable he will reject this new V for Vendetta adaptation as well, opting not to be involved in any capacity. This ongoing artistic tension is a limitation, as the original creator's vision often differs from later interpretations, yet the adaptations can still find their own artistic merit and resonate with new audiences.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time a V for Vendetta TV series has been attempted. Channel 4 in the UK once tried to get a show off the ground, but it never moved forward. Even more bizarrely, the Batman prequel series Pennyworth, which followed a young Alfred Pennyworth in 1960s London, unexpectedly morphed into a V for Vendetta prequel by its later seasons. The show depicted a British Civil War leading to the Norsefire government's formation, with characters even sporting Guy Fawkes masks. However, Pennyworth was canceled after three seasons, leaving that specific storyline unresolved. This past attempt highlights the narrative challenges of bridging disparate universes and underscores the clean slate this new HBO project enjoys.

A Real-World Resonance: The Mask's Journey

Consider this real-world scenario: A college student, let's call her Anya, first encounters the Guy Fawkes mask during a protest against government surveillance. Intrigued by its iconic status, she researches its origins and discovers the V for Vendetta film. She watches it, then dives into the graphic novel, utterly captivated by the story of rebellion against an authoritarian regime. The narrative’s themes of individual freedom and resistance echo her own concerns about privacy and corporate power. For Anya, the mask wasn't just a symbol; it was an entry point into a powerful story that felt acutely relevant to her generation, even decades after its creation. The upcoming series has the potential to reignite this journey of discovery for a whole new viewership.

Why This Series Matters Now More Than Ever

In an era where discussions about authoritarianism, government overreach, and the power of individual defiance are increasingly prevalent, V for Vendetta feels incredibly timely. Moore’s original comic, penned as a response to Thatcherism in the 1980s, still speaks volumes about the human spirit's struggle against oppression. The HBO series, whether a direct adaptation or a fresh take, offers a chance to explore these profound themes with the depth and gravitas that a serialized format allows. It's an opportunity to provide a "fresh look at a classic DC story at a time when that story has never been more urgent."

With Pete Jackson at the helm, known for grounded British dramas, and the creative oversight of Gunn and Safran, this new series could become another critical smash for HBO. It proves that there’s a significant space for standalone, prestige television drawn from the rich tapestry of DC's catalog, stories that don't need to be part of a sprawling cinematic universe to make a powerful impact.

What This Means for Fans

• A Deeper Dive: The series format allows for more time to explore the complex characters and philosophical underpinnings of V's revolution and Evey's journey.
• Fresh Perspective: While respecting the source, a new adaptation can offer a modern lens on the comic's timeless themes of freedom and control.
• "Elseworlds" Freedom: Expect a self-contained, high-quality drama without the baggage of needing to connect to other DC projects.
• Prestige TV Potential: Given HBO's track record with adult-oriented dramas and Watchmen's success, anticipation for a thought-provoking series should be high.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: When can we expect the V for Vendetta TV series to be released? A: The series is currently in early stages of development, so no official release date has been announced yet. Stay tuned for updates!

Q: Will the new series be part of the main DC Universe? A: No, the V for Vendetta TV series is expected to be branded as an "Elseworlds" project, meaning it will exist outside the main DCU canon, similar to The Batman films or Joker: Folie à Deux.

Q: Will Alan Moore be involved in the production? A: Alan Moore has consistently disavowed film and TV adaptations of his work, including Watchmen. It is highly unlikely he will be involved in the new V for Vendetta series.

Q: Will the series be a direct adaptation or a new story? A: It's currently unclear if the series will be a direct adaptation of the graphic novel or an original story set within its world, similar to HBO's approach with Watchmen. Both approaches offer exciting possibilities.

Sources

• Variety, ‘V for Vendetta’ TV Series in the Works at HBO (EXCLUSIVE) by Joe Otterson, November 10, 2025.
• TV News, V for Vendetta TV series in development at HBO by Kevin Fraser, Posted 1 day ago.
• io9, ‘V for Vendetta’ Is Becoming a TV Show by Sabina Graves, Published November 10, 2025.
• Fortress of Solitude, This Batman Prequel Was Originally Connected to a Very Different Universe by Jarrod Saunders, November 11, 2025.
• IGN, A V for Vendetta Series Represents DC's Greatest Weapon in the Ongoing War Against Marvel by Jesse Schedeen, November 11, 2025.
• MovieWeb, Natalie Portman's 2006 DC Comics Movie Is Becoming A TV Series At HBO by Kieran Fisher, November 10, 2025.
• Den of Geek, V for Vendetta HBO Series in Development with James Gunn and Peter Safran Producing by Joe George, November 11, 2025.
• indulgexpress, 4 reasons why V for Vendetta is a cult classic- and making a comeback by Debolina Roy, Published on: 11 Nov 2025.