Viola Davis, alongside her husband Julius Tennon, through their JuVee Productions banner, is set to bring the acclaimed Afro-fantasy graphic novel The Untamed: A Sinner’s Prayer to the big screen. This adaptation of Sebastian A. Jones’ revenge fantasy series is being developed in collaboration with Simon Swart and Andrew Cosby of Homeworld Entertainment.
Jones, who has been cultivating the fantasy franchise for a decade via his Stranger Comics imprint, will write the screenplay and direct the film. Davis, Tennon, Swart, and Cosby will all serve as producers on the project, maintaining close creative involvement.
The Story and Unique Setting of The Untamed
The Untamed takes place in the mystical land of Asunda and tells the story of The Stranger, a man compelled by a sinister pact to retrieve the souls of seven murderers within seven days. His goal is to avenge the deaths of his wife and child, but when he encounters Niobe—a young orphan—his quest begins to shift from revenge toward redemption. The world of Asunda draws from both Medieval European and African histories, blending these influences into a rich fantasy tapestry inspired also by works like those of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Growth from Indie Success to Mainstream Adaptation
Though not widely known in mainstream comic circles, Jones’ The Untamed has risen as a notable indie hit through direct fan engagement, including a series of successful Kickstarter campaigns that have raised over $630,000 since 2015. The project’s growing popularity at comic conventions has further built its audience. Jones, with partners Darrell May and Joshua Cozine, has steadily expanded the Asunda universe, creating a distinctive narrative that combines poetic drama with intense fantasy themes.
Jones described his vision:
“My goal has always been to create a poetic and cinematic drama wrapped up in a badass vengeance tale with the world at stake,”
said Jones in a statement.
“For the setting, imagine the mood of a Spaghetti Western or a Kurosawa epic set in a beautiful and dangerous fantasy landscape.”
—Sebastian A. Jones, creator
Viola Davis’ Personal Connection to the Project
The involvement of Viola Davis marks a significant milestone for Jones, as the Oscar-winning actress previously wrote the foreword to his original graphic novel Niobe: She is Life in 2017. Davis and Tennon expressed their enthusiasm about the adaptation, stating,
“When Sebastian shared this incredible narrative with us over ten years ago, we knew then that the inclusive fantasy world of Asunda would resonate with audiences on a global scale. We believe that everyone is ready for a hero like Niobe, a badass Black woman whom Sebastian has brilliantly crafted to storm the world.”
—Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, producers
Niobe and The Stranger: Central Figures in a New Fantasy Frontier
Niobe is introduced as a powerful young woman alongside The Stranger in The Untamed: A Sinner’s Prayer, the graphic novel written by Jones with illustrations by Peter Bergting and Darrell May, and visual concepts by Hyoung Taek Nam. This character is positioned as a fresh and empowering Black female hero in the fantasy genre, setting the stage for a broader representation of voices within the storytelling landscape.
Viola Davis’ Experience in Genre Productions
Davis brings her familiarity with comic and superhero worlds to the adaptation, having portrayed Amanda Waller—a complex government figure—in DC Universe projects like The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. In addition to acting, she and Tennon produced the recent Amazon MGM action film G20, highlighting their dual commitment to performance and creative production roles.
Homeworld Entertainment’s Role in the Project
Homeworld Entertainment, co-founded by Simon Swart and Andrew Cosby along with Mike Ikeda, Tai Truesdell, and Nick Rathod, is collaborating to develop the adaptation. The company focuses on nurturing intellectual properties across formats, including anime, manga, film, and television, positioning itself as a key incubator for diverse global stories such as The Untamed.
Impact and Future Prospects of The Untamed Adaptation
This film adaptation represents a meaningful expansion of Afro-fantasy narratives into mainstream media, with Viola Davis Afro-Fantasy Adaptation spearheading a movement toward more inclusive and varied storytelling. The project’s fusion of cultural histories and a unique revenge saga offers audiences a fresh perspective within the fantasy genre. With experienced producers and a passionate creative team, the film is anticipated to draw new fans to the Asunda universe and could pave the way for further adaptations of Jones’ work.
