Gaumont remaking Barbarella with Drive director Nicolas Refn

Gaumont International Television is producing a new series based on Barbarella, directed by Drive’s Nicolas Refn.

The project is the latest high profile US television series announced by Gaumont International Television, the recently launched US arm of the French studio, following NBC’s Hannibal and Netflix’s Hemlock Grove.

Barbarella was originally a science fiction film, starring Jane Fonda, based on Jean-Claude Forest’s French comic book series.

The television remake, which is being shopped to US broadcast networks and cable channels, will be directed and executive produced by Refn and Martha De Laurentiis, who is also working with Gaumont on Hannibal.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to re-invent Barbarella with my friends at Gaumont and Martha De Laurentiis.  And I look forward to bringing this unique character to life for a new generation of fans as I believe she is one of the ultimate counter-cultural characters,” said Refn.

The announcement was made by Katie O’Connell, CEO for Gaumont International Television and Christophe Riandee, vice CEO for Gaumont.