Empress-Mark-Millar-Stuart-Immonen

Mark Millar’s newest creator-owned comic book ‘Empress’ hasn’t even hit stands yet, but there’s already a movie coming with a star attached!

The comic writer tweeted a photo of the new leading lady holding a sign announcing “Yes, I’m playing Empress.  The scarf comes off on April 6th.”  The scarf in question is wrapped around her head and her eyes are hidden behind sunglasses.  Who is this mystery actor?  Look at the photo for yourself and let the guessing begin!

Guesses from fans on Twitter have, not surprisingly, tended to be actors who are already attached to other film projects like Margot Robbie (‘Suicide Squad’) and Krysten Ritter (‘Jessica Jones’).  Another popular guess is Angelina Jolie, but not to be rude or anything, the woman in the photo looks too young to be her.  The person she most looks like is Anne Hathaway, who previously portrayed Catwoman in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ but isn’t currently attached to a franchise.

Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Margot Robbie and Krysten Ritter – See more at: http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Can-Someone-Verify-Anne-Hathaway-Movie-Tease-Picture-117207.html#sthash.dHYWl48k.dpuf
Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Margot Robbie and Krysten Ritter – See more at: http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Can-Someone-Verify-Anne-Hathaway-Movie-Tease-Picture-117207.html#sthash.dHYWl48k.dpuf

Some of Millar’s creator-owned comics have already proven to be solid box office performers, including ‘Wanted’ (starring Jolie), ‘Kick-Ass’ and ‘Kick-Ass 2‘ and ‘The Secret Service’ (a.k.a. ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’).  His comics ‘Superior’ and ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ are currently in the process of being adapted.  In addition, his work for Marvel on ‘Civil War’ and ‘The Ultimates’ have heavily influenced their movie output.

‘Empress’ which is a collaboration with artist Stuart Immonen is described as:

“The story centers on the wife of a galactic dictator who makes the decision to take her three kids and leave her evil husband. With the aid of a bodyguard, she tries to take her brood — Aine, her 15-year-old daughter who wants to be with her father; Adam, her gentle soul of a 10-year-old son who she knows would not survive the trials ahead to be an elite ruler; and Puck, her 18-month-old — to her home world. Oh, and as an added twist, the planet of which she is queen is Earth… 65 million years ago.”

Last year, when the comic was announced, Millar stated:

“I think all the best science fiction has a very human element at the heart of it and a mother wanting to leave a dangerous relationship is very easy for readers to relate to.  I’m not really interested in high-concept ideas as much as human emotions being the driving force of a story. Even ‘Star Wars’ was really just a lonely kid who wondered who his real father was.”

This marks a huge departure from Millar’s previous comic-to-film adaptations, which have been much more grounded, with modest budgets and while they have been pleasing to fans, none have been runaway blockbusters.  This could be risky, but if done right, the lofty sci-fi concept could make for a great film.

The ‘Empress’ comic, published through Marvel’s Icon imprint, arrives in April… just in time for the mysterious star of the movie to be announced!  Synergy!

Does this film sound intriguing?  Who do you think this mystery star is?

Source: Comic Book Resources