Sony Television Studios has confirmed a live-action series based on “The Destroyer” pulp novels is currently being developed. Originally created by Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir, the first book was published in 1971. The series is about US government operative Remo Williams. He is a former Newark cop who was framed for a crime and sentenced to death. The government then fakes his death so he can train to be an assassin for the secret organization CURE, which is set up to defend the country by working outside the law.
“The Destroyer” book series was a huge hit with over 50 million copies worldwide, and it’s been translated into 40 languages. So it’s no surprise that this isn’t the first attempt to adapt it. In 1985, Fred Ward (“Tremors”) starred in the film adaptation “Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins.” While it didn’t do well critically, it has since developed a cult following. The books were also adapted in a series of successful Marvel Comics large format magazines.
“Better Call Saul” writer/producer Gordon Smith is on board to write and executive produce the series. “The Destroyer” project is actually part of a larger deal Smith made with Sony Television Studios in 2017. Prime Universe Films’ Adrian Askarieh is also attached as an executive producer. Writer/director Shane Black was briefly attached, but it seems nothing ever became of that partnership.
There are currently over 150 books in “The Destroyer” series. The show plans to take advantage of that extensive library to build a cohesive international action-adventure universe. All while keeping the sardonic humor of the books, and “Better Call Saul” has certainly shown us Smith has a serious knack for that.
We’ll keep you updated on “The Destroyer” series and other news.
