"Remember, Remember": HBO Developing a 'V for Vendetta' TV Series

Twenty years after its iconic big-screen adaptation, the dystopian tale of V and Evey is reportedly heading to HBO, with DC Studios' top brass overseeing the project.

TL;DR

• HBO is reportedly developing a new V for Vendetta TV series, with writer Pete Jackson attached.
• DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran are set to executive produce this "Elseworlds" project.
• The series will revisit Alan Moore and David Lloyd's influential graphic novel, first adapted into a 2005 film starring Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman.

Imagine a not-too-distant future where a single mask, worn by an enigmatic figure named V, becomes a rallying cry against a totalitarian regime. That powerful imagery, born from Alan Moore and David Lloyd's 1980s graphic novel, captivated audiences in a 2005 film and has now sparked a new wave of anticipation.

It's been two decades since the film first hit theaters, grossing over $130 million worldwide. Now, according to an exclusive report from Variety, the story is set for another live-action adaptation, this time as a television series on Hbo.

A New Vision for Britain's Dystopian Future on Television

This isn't just a casual whisper; sources indicate some major talent is lining up for the project. Pete Jackson, known for his work on the Channel 4 series Somewhere Boy and the upcoming Sky Atlantic series The Death of Bunny Munro, is reportedly attached to write the series adaptation. This is Pete Jackson, not the Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, just to be clear.

The series will also have some serious DC firepower behind it. James Gunn and Peter Safran, the co-CEOs of DC Studios, are slated to executive produce. They'll be joined by Ben Stephenson from Poison Pen and Leanne Klein of Wall to Wall Media, a part of Warner Bros. Television Studios UK. Warner Bros. Television is producing the series. While HBO and DC Studios haven't officially commented, the buzz is definitely building.

Revisiting V's Quest for Anarchy and Evey's Awakening

For those new to the story, V for Vendetta paints a chilling picture of Britain in a near-future where the country is under the iron fist of the fascistic Norsefire party. Into this oppressive world steps V, an enigmatic anarchist cloaked in a Guy Fawkes mask, who dedicates himself to dismantling the government. His path intertwines with Evey Hammond, a young woman he rescues from the secret police, who then becomes his unlikely protégé in the fight for freedom.

The original graphic novel, penned by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd, first saw light in the British anthology "Warrior" between 1982 and 1985. DC Comics later took over publishing rights in 1988, bringing the powerful narrative to a wider international audience.

From Cult Classic Film to the Small Screen Landscape

The 2005 film adaptation, directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, starred Hugo Weaving as the unforgettable V and Natalie Portman as a compelling Evey. It wasn't just a box office success, pulling in over $130 million worldwide on a reported budget of $50-54 million, but it also became a critically well-received cult classic.

Interestingly, the film is even getting a celebratory re-release in theaters on November 5, 2026, marking its 20th anniversary. This timing couldn't be more perfect, reminding fans of the story's enduring impact just as a new adaptation takes shape.

"From its early days as a graphic novel and then a feature film, few properties have struck a chord with fans and been more thought-provoking societally than V for Vendetta. Twenty years later, the movie still resonates..."

— Tom Lucas, Vice President of Studio Relations at Fathom Entertainment (Source: Variety)

Previous Attempts and Why HBO's Take Might Be Different

This isn't the first time V's mask has piqued interest for a TV series. Back in 2017, the UK's Channel 4 reportedly tried to develop a V for Vendetta show, but it ultimately didn't move forward. More recently, the HBO Max/Epix series Pennyworth, which explored Alfred Pennyworth's earlier life, was initially envisioned as a prequel to V for Vendetta. However, that storyline never fully materialized as the show was canceled after three seasons.

What makes this HBO venture particularly noteworthy is its place within the broader DC Studios strategy. James Gunn and Peter Safran are developing it as an "Elseworlds" story. This means it won't be tied directly into the main, interconnected DC Universe that projects like the upcoming Superman film are building. Instead, it can stand alone, much like Matt Reeves' The Batman universe, which delivered the Emmy-winning The Penguin series on HBO.

HBO has a strong track record with DC adaptations, having also aired the critically acclaimed Watchmen series in 2019. That show served as a sequel to Moore's original graphic novel, proving the network's capacity to handle complex, politically charged comic book narratives with depth and nuance.

The Unavoidable Stance of Alan Moore and Creative Freedom

Of course, any new adaptation of Alan Moore's work comes with an almost guaranteed reaction from the legendary writer himself: likely, disapproval. Moore has famously distanced himself from nearly all Hollywood adaptations of his comics, including the 2005 V for Vendetta film and HBO's Watchmen series. He often cites concerns that adaptations misrepresent his original ideas and that he morally opposes the "tentpole budgets" involved.

This historical precedent means fans shouldn't expect Moore to be involved in this new HBO series in any capacity. It's a trade-off: creators gain freedom to re-interpret the material for a new medium and audience, but risk the original author's blessing. Given the show's "Elseworlds" designation and the creative team's track record, a fresh, distinct take is probable.

Exploring the Real-World Impact of V's Iconic Imagery

The Guy Fawkes mask worn by V has transcended its fictional origins, becoming a potent symbol in real-world protests and anti-establishment movements globally. For example, during a local protest against perceived government overreach, a young activist, Sarah, wore a stark white Guy Fawkes mask. She wasn't protesting a fictional Norsefire party, but rather a local ordinance she felt stifled free speech. For her, the mask wasn't just a costume; it was a silent, powerful nod to a broader struggle against systemic oppression, echoing V's original defiance. This widespread adoption shows how Moore's creation resonates far beyond the comic pages.

Why a 'V for Vendetta' Series is Timely and Important

In our current socio-political climate, a story like V for Vendetta feels incredibly timely. Its themes of authoritarianism, freedom, and individual defiance against overwhelming power are evergreen, but particularly poignant today. A television series offers a chance to explore these complex ideas with a depth that a two-hour film simply can't achieve.

The longer format can delve into the nuances of V's philosophy, Evey's transformation, and the intricacies of the Norsefire regime, allowing for character development and world-building that truly honors the source material's intellectual weight, while still delivering gripping action. It's an opportunity to connect with a new generation while resonating deeply with long-time fans.

What This Means for Fans: Practical Takeaways

• Keep an eye on HBO and Max for official announcements regarding casting and a premiere date, as details are still sparse.
• Understand that this will be a standalone "Elseworlds" story, offering creative freedom without needing to fit into the main DC Universe timeline.
• Expect a potentially mature and thought-provoking adaptation, given HBO's history with complex narratives and the source material's themes.
• Revisit the original graphic novel or the 2005 film to refresh your memory on the rich dystopian world of V and Evey while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions About the V for Vendetta TV Series

When is the 'V for Vendetta' TV series expected to be released?

Currently, there is no set release date for the V For Vendetta Tv Series. The project is still in early development.

Where will the 'V for Vendetta' TV series be available to watch?

The series is being developed for HBO and will stream on Max (formerly HBO Max).

Will the TV series be connected to James Gunn's main DC Universe?

No, the V for Vendetta TV series is being developed as an "Elseworlds" project, meaning it will be a standalone story not tied to the main DC Universe continuity.

Is Alan Moore involved in the production of the new series?

No, Alan Moore has historically rejected adaptations of his work and is not expected to be involved in the new V for Vendetta TV series.

Sources

• Variety: 'V for Vendetta’ TV Series in the Works at HBO (EXCLUSIVE)' (Nov 10, 2025)
• ScreenRant: 'V for Vendetta TV Show In The Works At HBO From DC Studios With James Gunn & Peter Safran Producing'
• SlashFilm: 'Grab Your Guy Fawkes Mask, Because ‘V For Vendetta’ Might Be Getting Adapted Again'
• Bleeding Cool: 'V for Vendetta: Moore & Lloyd's Work Reportedly Set for HBO Adapt'
• CBR: 'V for Vendetta Live-Action TV Series in Development for HBO Max'
• CinemaBlend: 'HBO Has Another DC TV Show In The Works, But I Don’t See This One Connecting With James Gunn’s DCU'
• ComingSoon.net: 'HBO Developing TV Show Based on DC Graphic Novel'