
DMZ Adaptation (2022): Everything We Know So Far About The Exciting New Series
After a successful pilot, the DMZ adaptation, based on the graphic novel by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli, for HBO was given a series order. With a big cast, and a big pilot director, this will be a comic adaptation unlike any other.
Don’t forget to check out the masterlist of all the EWKSF adaptation posts here on Alison in Libraryland!
This page was updated: 7/27/23
About The Book:
In the near future, the United States has been plunged into a second civil war — Manhattan, or as it’s now known, the DMZ, has become one of the most dangerous cities in the world, making it the perfect place for aspiring photojournalist Matty Roth to be.
With an opportunity to follow a veteran war journalist through the heart of the DMZ, Matty Roth moves to a new and terrifying place with the hopes of making a name for himself.
But things quickly go terribly wrong, leaving Matty alone in a world he’d only seen on TV.
Can Matty survive in a war zone long enough to report the truth?
Will he even know what the truth is…if he finds it?
bookshop.org // Amazon
Current Production Status:
All episodes released as of March 2022.
DMZ Adaptation Timeline:
The comic was published for 72 issues from November 2005-February 2012. In Feburary 2014 an adaptation was announced by SYFY. But from 2015-2018 the project sat in development hell and no progress was made. In October 2019 HBO announced a pilot order with Ava DuVernay to direct. In early 2020 Rosario Dawson and Benjamin Bratt were cast as the leads and the pilot was filmed. Later that year in November HBO gave a mini-series order for 3 more episodes (4 total). Fall 2021 the rest of the series filmed. In March 2022 the full mini-series was released.
While not officially cancelled there has been no news on any future seasons and the change in HBO/Warner Bros Discovery leadership makes it very unlikely.
Where Can I Watch The Series/Movie?
As of July 2023 you can stream the mini-series on HBO Max.
Reception:
The show currently has a 54% tomatometer and 36% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. 5.3/10 on IMDb.
Who Owns The Rights:
HBO Max and its’ parent company Warner Bros Discovery took over the project for both production and distribution. ARRAY Filmworks, Ava Duvernay’s production company, is co-producing.
Who Is Attached:
Rosario Dawson and Benjamin Bratt are leading the cast with Hoon Lee, Freddy Miyares, Jordan Preston Carter, Venus Ariel, and Amandla Jahava in supporting roles.
Ava Duvernay directed the first episode.
Filming Locations:
Filming occured around the US including New York City. Atlanta, Georgia. Los Angeles, California.
Release Date:
March 17th, 2022
Other mentions on AiLL:
This project was featured in the 2022 Books To Movie and TV masterlist.
Make sure you sign up for the The Adaptation Watch newsletter, sent out every Saturday morning with all of the latest news on any & all adaptations. Don’t worry about missing an update when it’s coming straight to your inbox!
Happy Reading!!
~Alison
DMZ Adaptation: Everything We Know So Far About The Exciting New Series
Hi there! I’m Alison in Libraryland, and I’ll be here for all your book related needs. Many of you know me as the girl with the book recommendations. Don’t be shy! Ask me! If you’re looking for a good book or movie adaptation, let me help you find it. I’ll be here for all your literary needs. This is a book blog run on an obsession for shiny new books, worn-through old classics, and all attempts at moving those stories to the screen, just like this DMZ adaptation.

