Catherine Hardwicke to Direct Female-Led Viking Fantasy ‘Heathen’

Catherine Hardwicke has signed on to direct Heathen, a female-centric Viking action-fantasy for Constantin Film and Prime Universe Films.

The project adapts the Vault Comic title by Natasha Alterici and is being produced by Constantin’s Robert Kulzer and Margo Klewans as well as Prime Universe Film’s Adrian Askarieh. F.J. DeSanto is also producing.

Created, written and drawn by Alterici, Heathen is the story of Aydis, a young viking warrior who comes out as queer in an age and culture of merciless patriarchy. Her ostracism leads her on a quest to right those cultural wrongs with Odin, the leader of the Viking gods.

Kerry Williamson (What Happened to Monday) wrote the script.

Heathen has proven to be a hit for Vault, a rising indie publisher. The first volume of the trade paperback, which collects the first four issues, has gone to multiple printings, while a new story arc was begun in June. The book was selected by the Young Adult Library Service Association for its 2018 “Great Graphic Novels for Teens” list.

Hardwicke is executive producing along with Constantin’s Martin Moszkowicz and Vault CEO Damian Wassel.

Heathen is the latest female-led project that has Hardwicke’s eye. She is best known for launching the Twilight movies and has helmed the fairy tale fantasy Red Riding Hood, the coming-of-age drama Thirteen and and the recent drug drama Miss Bala. The director is currently in production on the new Quibi show Don’t Look Deeper, which stars Don Cheadle, Emily Mortimer and newcomer Helena Howard.

Hardwicke is repped by CAA, Manage-ment and Sloane Offer.

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