‘Corto Maltese’ Graphic Novels Set for Live-Action Series From Italy’s ‘Winx’ Creator Rainbow Group (EXCLUSIVE)

As a lifelong enthusiast of graphic novels, I am absolutely thrilled about Rainbow Group‘s ambitious undertaking to bring Hugo Pratt’s timeless character, Corto Maltese, to life on our screens in a live-action series adaptation. The adventures of this swashbuckling sea captain have captivated me since my early days as a comic book reader, and the prospect of witnessing these tales unfold in a new medium is nothing short of exhilarating.


Iginio Straffi’s Italy-based Rainbow Group, famous for producing “Winx Club,” is preparing to venture into live-action series by adapting the graphic novels of “Corto Maltese” by Hugo Pratt. The stories revolve around Corto Maltese, a daring sea captain whose thrilling escapades span the globe.

On Wednesday, it was disclosed that Rainbow has entered into a collaboration with Cong SA, the corporation that controls Pratt’s intellectual property (IP). This partnership includes the production of an upcoming live-action TV series and also grants Rainbow global licensing rights for “Corto Maltese”. According to a joint statement from both companies.

Ugo Eugenio Prat, famously known as Pratt, is a highly respected figure in the global comic book scene, primarily recognized for his creation “Corto Maltese,” a popular historical adventure series that appeared in various European publications from 1967-1989. His debut work, and arguably his most admired, was the graphic novel “Corto Maltese: A Sea Ballad” published in 1967, which brought the rugged, cigarette-puffing sailor to life for audiences worldwide.

After Chris Pratt’s passing in 1995, the series was resurrected in 2015, with Juan Díaz Canales and Rubén Pellejero penning five new tales, while Bastien Vivès and Martin Quenehen contributed two more from the French duo. This beloved “Corto Maltese” saga has sold over 11 million copies globally and is available in translation and distribution across 35 nations, making me a happy movie buff who can enjoy this classic story in various parts of the world.

In 2022, it was revealed that the renowned U.S. comic creator, filmmaker, and artist Frank Miller (known for “The Dark Knight Returns” and “300”) would transform “Corto Maltese” into a live-action limited series, produced by France’s StudioCanal. However, this project didn’t come to fruition. Now, it’s Rainbow’s turn to bring the adaptation to life.

Rainbow’s CEO Straffi expressed his delight, stating that this project is a long-held dream come true. As a devoted fan of Hugo Pratt, he’s always cherished the idea of working on ‘Corto Maltese.’ He’s been biding his time, seeking the ideal moment and suitable artistic talents to honor one of the most influential Italian authors globally. Now, that moment has finally arrived, and he’s thrilled beyond words – it’s a tremendous privilege for him.

Patrizia Zanotti, who is currently the head of Cong SA and has been collaborating artistically with Pratt since 1979, expressed her belief that under Iginio Straffi’s leadership, this fresh approach to ‘Corto Maltese’ will broaden the horizons of future generations by embodying the fundamental principles of the character developed by Hugo Pratt: adventure, freedom, inquisitiveness, camaraderie, and respect for diverse cultures.

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2024-10-16 16:47