It won't be long before more comic book publishers aim to create their own cinematic universes on the big screen. That's right, soon the "Big 2" will have to share box office space with Valiant Comics; and I wouldn't be surprised if indie comic labels Image, BOOM, and Young Animal were right behind them. Oh man, just the thought of comic book properties the likes of Jonathan Hickman's East of West, Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples Saga, and Cecil Castelluci and Marley Zarcone's Shade the Changing Girl one day making their theatrical debut gives me the nerd chills.
Recently, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY's own Dave Bautista tweeted that he's "really excited" about Valiant's forthcoming film project, ETERNAL WARRIOR. The muscles-on-two-legs actor then followed up his previous statement by saying, "We are currently working to get the script fan worthy and then we'll be full on from there," when responding to a fan question on the social media network.
While Bautista was eager to tease his involvement on the project, Valiant remained mum in regard to any plans they may or may not have to put an ETERNAL WARRIOR film into development. However, sources close to Valiant then told Heat Vision that any such project would likely be related to their planned ARCHER & ARMSTRONG film – which is currently being developed by Terry Rosio and director Ruben Fleischer.
As a part of Valiant's rich comic book universe, Gilad Anni-Padda AKA Eternal Warrior is the greatest fighter from an age when the sword was the law, Gilad was ancient before the rise of the Pharaohs, and shall survive the fall of nations yet to come. Gilad Anni-Padda is the youngest of three eternal brothers. His siblings are Ivar (Timewalker) and Aram (Armstrong). They all are immortal and were born before recorded history. Gilad is the Fist and Steel of those who guard the earth, the Geomancers, and his battle is never-ending.
The Eternal Warrior possesses thousands of years of fighting experience and is a veteran of countless wars. He is a master tactician and one of the greatest warriors on Earth. Gilad is an immortal with exceptional strength, inhuman durability and endurance, with the ability to heal from almost any wound. He is versed in nearly every combat style known to man as well as a weapons expert. Due to his immortality, Gilad is much less affected by the ravages of time. – (Comicvine)
Naturally, I can't help but get excited by the prospect of Bautista being involved with this project, even if it remains "unofficial" at this time. From the few volumes I've read of the ETERNAL WARRIOR comic series, Bautista feels like a good fit for Gilad. Don't take my word for it though. Take a ride on over to your local comic shop, pick up Eternal Warrior, Volume 1: Sword of the Wild written by Greg Pak with art by Trevor Hairsine and Clayton Crain, and experience the character for yourself. As a point of note, Valiant's trades are always sold at affordable prices, so don't be afraid to pick up another series that piques your fancy while you're at it.
We'll be sure to bring you any updates on this project as they arrive. Don't forget to check out Dave Bautista in Denis Villeneuve's BLADE RUNNER 2049, opening in theaters this October 6th.