Criminal Comic Adaptation: Confirmation, Cast, Story Details & Everything We Know

Amazon Prime Video’s Upcoming Adaptation of Ed Brubaker’s Criminal

Renowned comic book creator Ed Brubaker is set to bring his acclaimed series Criminal to television with a new adaptation recently approved by Amazon Prime Video. Since its debut in 2006, originally published by Marvel Comics, Criminal has captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of criminals, including petty thieves and more dangerous felons. The series stands out for its sharp writing and unique style, effectively reimagining traditional crime storytelling through a fresh lens.

In a landscape dominated by superhero narratives, Prime Video’s commitment to adapting Brubaker’s work highlights its mission to provide alternative, gritty stories. Following the success of shows like The Boys and its spin-offs, which dissect superhero conventions, Criminal offers a similar analytical approach to the crime genre. After a lengthy developmental period, the green light from Prime Video indicates that fans can look forward to this highly anticipated adaptation soon.

Latest Updates on Criminal

New Cast Members Announced

Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor looking serious and pointing a gun in Terminator Genisys

Recent reports confirm an expanding ensemble cast for the Criminal adaptation, featuring notable actors alongside established names like Charlie Hunnam and Emilia Clarke. New additions include Garrett Hedlund (from Tulsa King), Chris Diamantopoulos (known for The Boys in the Boat), and Adria Arjona (from The Belko Experiment), among others. Although specifics about their roles remain secretive, all eight newcomers are expected to have recurring parts throughout the series.

Confirmation of the Project

Project Announcement from Prime Video

A man with a bloodied face raises his fists in anger against a blue background in the Criminal comics

Speculation about the adaptation of Criminal began circulating in early 2023, but it wasn’t until early 2024, following the resolution of the Hollywood strikes, that Prime Video officially confirmed the project. One of the most significant challenges in adapting this comic series lies in condensing its rich narratives into a compelling television format. However, with Brubaker closely involved in the scriptwriting, fans can expect an adaptation that faithfully respects the spirit of his innovative indie comics.

Creative Team Behind Criminal

Brubaker’s Integral Role

A man looks on stoically while a woman grins with a pistol amid various scenes of criminal activity on the cover of the Criminal comics

Ed Brubaker’s involvement in the series is foundational; he has worked on the project since its inception and has penned the screenplay for the debut episode. As a well-respected figure in the comic industry, notably for creating the Winter Soldier arc, Brubaker’s experience ensures that the adaptation aligns with the award-winning series’ legacy. He will co-showrun the series alongside Jordan Harper, known for his significant contributions to Gotham.

Cast of Criminal

Leading Roles and Supporting Ensemble

The casting pool for Criminal boasts a wealth of talent, including veteran actor Richard Jenkins in the role of Ivan, an aging criminal grappling with dementia. As the story unfolds, Emilia Clarke portrays Mallory, a skilled robber, while Charlie Hunnam takes on the lead role of Leo, a criminal who favors finesse over violence. Additional characters include Adria Arjona as Greta, a talented carjacker, and John Hawkes as Sebastian Hyde, a stroke-afflicted gambling club owner.

Here’s a look at some principal cast members:

Actor	Role in Criminal
Charlie Hunnam	Leo
Emilia Clarke	Mallory
Adria Arjona	Greta
Kadeem Hardison	Gnarly
Richard Jenkins	Ivan
John Hawkes	Sebastian Hyde
Pat Healy	Seymour
Logan Browning	Jenny

Storyline Insights

Complex Narratives to Explore

A man sits sadly while a woman holds up a pistol against a city street at night in the Criminal comics

The narrative of Criminal presents a tapestry of interconnected stories, situated in a bleak and unforgiving world. Brubaker captures this essence by describing the series as “the interweaving saga of several generations of families tied together by crimes and murders of the past.”The adaptation promises to surface a range of morally complex scenarios, from heists to murders and beyond.

Although the plot is captivating on its own, it serves as a vessel for broader themes that Brubaker artfully integrates into the subtext. Much like The Boys provides critical commentary on superhero tropes, Criminal scrutinizes the crime genre, leveraging its clichés to explore societal issues in a way that traditional comic adaptations often overlook.

If you’re eager for a story that intertwines criminality with deep character explorations, stay tuned for further updates on this promising series.