Nia DaCosta Eyes Gritty Live-Action Invincible Adaptation

Nia DaCosta, who recently helmed The Marvels, hasn’t let the mixed reception from Marvel fans put her off the superhero scene. As she gears up for the release of her horror sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, DaCosta took part in a Q&A session on Sony Pictures’ Reddit channel. When a fan asked which established franchise she’d be keen to tackle next, her answer caught a few off guard. She said she’d be thrilled to direct a live-action version of Prime Video’s Invincible.

The comic and cartoon are amazing. I know exactly how I'd want to translate that world, and that amazing father/son relationship, to screen. I also just love the idea of making something in a superhero world that has some real grit and viscera – and sex!

Invincible’s World and DaCosta’s Vision

Invincible, created by Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead fame, follows 17-year-old Mark Grayson, voiced by Steven Yeun, as he learns the ropes of being a superhero from his dad, Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons). Mark soon finds out that balancing everyday life with saving the world isn’t as simple as it seems. The animated series has already run for three seasons, with a fourth on the way in March 2026.

DaCosta’s comments suggest she’d bring a raw, grounded edge to the adaptation, focusing on the complex father-son dynamic and the messier side of heroics. Her approach hints at a more mature, visceral take, something that could set a live-action Invincible apart from other superhero flicks.

Rumours and Casting Speculation

Talk of a live-action Invincible film has been floating around for a while, ever since Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg announced plans to adapt it back in 2017. In the years since, Steven Yeun was asked if he’d be up for playing Mark in a live-action version. He replied,

Well, I am 40.

When it was suggested he could take on the role of Mark’s dad instead, Yeun added,

Yeah, we'll see. I love working with Robert. That comic is so great, and it goes so long and so deep. So, I'm excited to see that play itself out. Right now, we’re having a lot of fun making this show. Live action – who knows?

With the animated series still going strong and a live-action adaptation yet to materialise, fans are left wondering who might eventually bring these characters to life on the big screen. DaCosta’s enthusiasm and clear vision could be just what’s needed to get the project off the ground.

Invincible’s Ongoing Popularity

For those who haven’t caught up, Invincible is currently streaming. If you’ve already powered through the series, there’s no shortage of other top picks on Prime to keep your watchlist full. The ongoing buzz around Invincible, both animated and potential live-action, shows there’s still heaps of interest in seeing this gritty superhero tale reimagined for new audiences.