Nearly a decade after the short-livedPainkiller JaneTV series starringKristanna Lokkendebuted, a new feature film version is coming together. Oscar-nominated actressJessica Chastainhas come aboard to star in and produce a newPainkiller Janemovie for Lotus Entertainment and Solipsist Films. It doesn’t seem that this project has a writer or director attached at this time, but that may change soon withJessica Chasatain’s involvement.
Deadlinereports thatJessica Chastainwill produce through her Freckle Films company alongside Lotus Entertainment’sLenny Beckerman(Lake of Fire) and Solipsist Films’Stephen L’Heureux(Sin City: A Dame To Kill For).Bill Johnson,Jim Seibel,Ara KeshishianandJimmy Palmiotti, who co-created the graphic novel withJoe Quesada, will executive produce. The original graphic novel was published by Paperfilms.
Back in 2014, theTwisted Twins, a.k.a.Jen SoskaandSylvia Soska, were attached to direct an adaptation ofPainkiller Jane, which they claimed would be an R-rated take on the source material, but it never got off the ground. The comic book was first adapted into a 2005 TV movie starringEmmanuelle Vaugieras the title character, before the TV series starringKristanna Lokkendebuted in 2007. That series only lasted for one season on the Syfy Channel.
The originalgraphic novelfollowed Jane Vasko, a New York City street cop who gets recruited by the FBI to infiltrate a major NYC drug and human trafficking ring. After her cover is blown, she becomes tortured, which spawns super-human regenerative abilities which includes an incredibly high tolerance for pain, making her immortal. With nothing left to live for,Painkiller Janesets out on a journey of revenge to wreak havoc on those who destroyed her life.
Painkiller Janewill markJessica Chastain’s first ever comic book/graphic novel adaptation. She most recently starred in theaction-packedsequelThe Huntsman: Winter’s War, and she will next be seen inMiss Sloane, debuting in limited theaters November 25 before expanding nationwide December 9. She also stars in upcoming films such asMolly’s Game,The Zookeeper’s WifeandWoman Walks Ahead.
