What's Happening?
Prime Video has released the teaser trailer and initial photos for its upcoming crime series, 'Criminal.' The show is based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. The first installment, 'Criminal Part One: “Coward,”'
is scheduled to begin streaming on January 13. The series features a cast including Charlie Hunnam, Adria Arjona, Luke Evans, Emilia Clarke, Richard Jenkins, Kadeem Hardison, Gus Halper, John Hawkes, and Logan Browning. The plot for 'Part One' centers on Leo Patterson (Hunnam) and Ricky Lawless (Halper), two criminals confronted by a past murder and a botched heist that unearths decades-old family secrets. 'Criminal Part Two: “Lawless,”' will follow on January 27. The adaptation was initially announced by Prime Video in January 2024, with Brubaker co-showrunning alongside crime fiction author Jordan Harper, and both Brubaker and Phillips serving as executive producers.
Why It's Important?
The release of promotional material for 'Criminal' signals Prime Video's continued investment in adapting popular graphic novels into series, aiming to attract a broad audience interested in the crime genre. This strategy leverages established fan bases of successful comic series, potentially drawing in viewers already familiar with Brubaker and Phillips' work. The involvement of a high-profile cast could also broaden its appeal beyond existing fans, positioning it as a significant new offering in the competitive streaming landscape. For Amazon MGM Studios, this series represents an effort to deliver compelling original content that can resonate globally, as highlighted by Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly owned development, who expressed confidence in the story's universal appeal. A successful adaptation could further solidify Prime Video's reputation as a platform for quality genre programming.
What's Next?
The first installment of 'Criminal,' titled 'Criminal Part One: “Coward,”' will premiere on Prime Video on January 13, followed by 'Criminal Part Two: “Lawless,”' on January 27. Following the release, industry observers will likely monitor viewership numbers and critical reception to gauge the series' success and its impact on Prime Video's content strategy. The performance of 'Criminal' could influence future decisions regarding adaptations of other graphic novels and the types of crime dramas the platform chooses to greenlight. The series' reception will also be important for the creators, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, as it could lead to further adaptations of their extensive body of work or inspire other comic creators to pursue similar streaming deals.
Beyond the Headlines
The adaptation of 'Criminal' highlights a broader trend in the entertainment industry where streaming services are increasingly turning to established intellectual property, particularly graphic novels, to develop new content. This approach offers a built-in audience and a pre-existing narrative framework, which can mitigate some of the risks associated with original productions. However, it also presents challenges in meeting fan expectations while translating a visual medium to a different format. The success of 'Criminal' could further validate the graphic novel as a rich source for prestige television, potentially leading to more diverse and complex storytelling being brought to the screen. This trend also underscores the evolving relationship between comic book creators and major studios, as creators like Brubaker and Phillips take on more direct roles in the production process, ensuring a closer fidelity to their original vision.
