‘John Wick’ Filmmaker Chad Stahelski Tackling California Rebellion Comic ‘Calexit’ (Exclusive)

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The comic book titled Calexit, which appears as if it was plucked straight from today’s headlines by independent publisher Black Mask Studios, could potentially bring the concept of California Resistance to the silver screen.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my excitement knowing that Chad Stahelski, the mastermind behind the epic John Wick film series, is stepping into the world of comics! He’s set to produce and potentially direct a movie based on a popular comic book. Can’t wait to see how he brings this story to life!

Alex Young, who collaborates with Stahelski at 87Eleven Entertainment, will also be involved in the production along with Matteo Pizzolo, Brett Gurewitz, and Brian Giberson from Black Mask. As of now, the project has not been secured by any studio or streaming platform.

In other words, Pizzolo – a partner and the head honcho of Black Mask Comics, along with being one of its creators – penned the script without any prior agreement or payment.

The narrative unfolds in a not-too-distant future that bears an unsettling resemblance to our current times. In this scenario, America’s leader has issued an executive order for the forced expulsion of all immigrants. In response, California officially declares itself a sanctuary state. As the people of the state strive to regain control from a government that seems autocratic, the plot revolves around Jamil, a messenger who often operates in war zones and smuggles goods, and Zora, a prominent figure in the Mulholland Resistance, as they make their escape from Los Angeles, a city now under military rule and governed by martial law.

2017 saw the introduction of a popular comic that gained significant traction during the initial term of the Trump administration, necessitating no less than seven reprints and giving birth to sequels titled “Calexit: All Systems San Diego” and “Calexit: Our Last Night in America”. With current events making it even more relevant, a fresh storyline begins this week with “Calexit: The Battle of Universal City”, penned by Pizzolo and illustrated by Carlos Granda. It’s available for purchase starting today.

Previously, the title was acquired by MRC in a fierce competition among five studios for television rights. A pilot script was also penned by Pizzolo. The option was taken, then the purchase made, but eventually, the property and script returned to its original owner. Now, during the second term of President Trump’s administration, the project is being revived and reworked as a feature film.

Amancay Nahuelpan, who co-created the comic and drew the first volume, is co-producing.

Black Mask Studios has amassed a collection of 100 comics and graphic novels that carry a contemporary and diverse perspective. Some of their titles include “Black,” which unfolds in a universe where only African Americans possess superpowers, and “Rogue State,” set in a society where militias take over as the governing bodies. The studio’s “4 Kids Walk into a Bank” has been transformed into a movie by Miramax, PictureStart, and Amazon Studios’ Orion, with Liam Neeson starring. The film is now in post-production stages.

In addition to overseeing and creating the hugely successful “John Wick” film series, Stahelski has also recently produced the spinoff “Ballerina,” the 2022 vampire thriller “Day Shift,” and is now preparing to direct a new version of “Highlander” for Amazon, featuring Henry Cavill.

Stahelski not only directed and produced the successful “John Wick” films but also produced its spinoff “Ballerina” and the 2022 vampire thriller “Day Shift”. He is now preparing to direct a new version of “Highlander” for Amazon, with Henry Cavill as the star.)

Stahelski is represented by William Morris Endeavor (WME) and Johnson Shapiro, while Pizzolo and Black Mask are represented by attorney Matt Sugarman at the law firm Weintraub Tobin.

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2025-07-23 20:25