Akela Cooper, known for her work on horror films like M3GAN, Malignant, and The Nun II, has been tapped to adapt the chilling comic book The Lot for the up-and-coming comic publisher, Bad Idea. Cooper will not only adapt but also produce the feature film, joining forces with Bad Idea’s founder and CEO, Dinesh Shamdasani, and the company’s head of film and TV, Benjamin Simpson.
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The Lot, a four-issue comic series written by Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman) and illustrated by Renato Guedes (Wolverine, Superman), tells the eerie tale of Aviva Copeland. As one of the few Black women to run a Hollywood studio, Copeland is on a mission to restore the studio’s former glory. However, her ambitious plans to reopen a long-abandoned soundstage uncover something far more sinister. Years ago, a famed director, obsessed with realism, employed a real cult to perform an actual occult ritual on the lot—unleashing a dark force that now threatens Copeland and the studio.
Since its 2021 release, The Lot has garnered attention for its unique blend of horror and industry commentary, making it a perfect fit for Cooper, whose horror resume continues to expand.
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Bad Idea is showcasing The Lot at this year’s New York Comic Con (NYCC), with a special panel scheduled for Saturday, October 19 at 3:00 pm in Room 408. Attendees will receive an NYCC-exclusive edition of The Lot No. 1, featuring a newly designed cover by artist EM Carroll (Through the Woods).
Bad Idea has been gaining momentum in the comic-to-film space, with The Lot being one of several adaptations in the works. The company is also developing Ordained, an action thriller written by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad. Development funding for The Lot comes from Smartest Termite and producers Andrew Gallina and Shahin Chandrasoma, further solidifying the company’s foray into Hollywood.
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Cooper, whose past collaborations with director James Wan include Malignant and M3GAN, has cemented her reputation as a horror powerhouse. Her writing credits also extend into television, with work on hit series such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Marvel’s Luke Cage. Up next for Cooper is M3GAN 2.0, slated for release on June 27, 2025.
Source: THR