Netflix has officially greenlit Barbaric, the medieval fantasy drama based on the bestselling Vault Comics series. The announcement came during Netflix’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York. It marks a major milestone for the indie publisher’s highest-profile project yet.
Created by Mike Moreci and Nathan Gooden and edited by Adrian Wassel. Barbaric centers on a ruthless barbarian cursed to use his violence only for good. This curse sends him, his talking axe, and a young witch on a road of self-discovery, redemption, and revenge.
The comic has often been described as Deadpool meets Game of Thrones. Known for its hyper-violent and darkly comedic tone.
Academy Award nominee Sheldon Turner, known for Up in the Air and X-Men: First Class, will co-showrun. She writes the series alongside Robert Rovner, best known for his showrunning and writing work on the CW series Supergirl. Turner is also serving as the series creator. He executive produces with Jennifer Klein under their 100% Productions banner, which previously backed Armageddon and Pearl Harbor.
Launched in 2021, Barbaric was a massive hit for Vault Comics. The collected volumes have sold well over 600,000 units. It has since been translated into six languages and launched a spin-off series, Queen of Swords, as well as various one-shots. As of 2026, the comic is currently on its fifth volume and stands as one of the best-selling fantasy comics of the past decade.
Barbaric
When the project first landed at Netflix for development in July 2024, Sam Claflin had been attached to star and executive produce. Patrick Stewart was in talks to voice the axe. Michael Bay was also in talks to direct the project. No talent has been formally announced, as deals are still being finalized. Claflin is, however, confirmed as an executive producer through his Soft Claw Productions banner.
The wider producing team is stacked. Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson executive produce for A+E Studios. Javier Grillo-Marxuach, F.J. DeSanto, and Damian Wassel are representing Vault Comics on the EP side. Barbaric will stand as the biggest live-action project ever developed from a Vault Comics title.
Writer Michael Moreci responded to the news with excitement. “We’ve got a dream team putting this project together, and I couldn’t be happier,” Moreci said, adding that he knows how much fans are “going to love seeing this story brought to life in such a major way.”
Fantasy drama has proven to be a popular genre for Netflix, with one of its biggest series being The Witcher, starring Henry Cavill. Barbaric looks well-positioned to carry that torch into decidedly bloodier territory.
