The Incal is a graphic novel by Alejandro Jodorowsky, illustrated by Moebius (Jean Giraud), being adapted to film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. And if you know those four names, then you know this is not your average comic book movie.
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a famous surrealist filmmaker who inspired much of the sci-fi and existential culture we see in movies today. He was also the first director to attempt adapting Frank Herbert’s Dune. Jean Giraud, or Moebius, has created artistic impressions that were archetypal in movies like Heavy Metal and Blade Runner. Taika Waititi is known for creating Hunt for the Wilderpeople and working with Jermaine Clement on What We Do in The Shadows and Flight of the Concords. Despite the venerated group of artists surrounding this project, some fans are concerned about putting The Incal into their hands.
The Incal is going to be more than a regular movie. It’s less abstract than what we’re used to seeing from Jodorowsky but still with prominent elements of surrealism in the sci-fi genre. Jodorowsky did get the inspiration to make The Incal in a dream, after all. Although Taika Waititi now has some experience in making sci-fi films with Disney, he has never quite made something with the depth and scale of a Jodorowsky film before. Still, The Incal seems right up his alley.
It stars a foolish protagonist charged with saving the universe. So the grand adventure happening inside The Incal might mirror the journey Taika Waititi will have exploring a new aspect of the sci-fi genre.
Taika Waititi and the Sci-Fi Genre
Taika Waititi is not generally known for his work in science fiction. He became famous for movies like Boy and Jojo Rabbit, which tell the tales of personal, intimate situations that happen mostly grounded in reality. But the other hallmark of Waititi is that he takes these personal situations and blends them with elements of the fantastic. Even though Boy is the story of an abandoned child’s estranged father returning to him, the story is permeated with characters becoming larger than life and a Michael Jackson worship that brings regular acts into the realm of celebrity.
Taika Waititi's experience with Thor has started to lead him to explore more movies in the sci-fi genre. On his list of films that he’s working on, there’s an Untitled Star Wars Project, Flash Gordon, Time Bandits, and the classic anime epic Akira. Though Waititi is shifting in genre, his storytelling ability will no doubt shine through as bright as ever. The sci-fi genre might appear more of an aesthetic to Waititi, acting as a vehicle for his message of empathy and heroism. The Incal could carry his style well with its astounding story following such an idiotic and comedic hero.
No details have been announced for The Incal yet. Humanoids Inc., the publishing company for The Incal, has never made a film before and still holds many executive privileges surrounding Waititi’s adaptation. They have said they would like to read a script before deciding how the movie will be distributed, and one is expected to reach them by the end of this year. Despite how little we know, there is some fear surrounding the live-action project.
Many fans would like to see it done in the style of Heavy Metal or Fire and Ice, both of which had been influenced by Moebius’ work. But these worries seem unnecessary, as the famous illustrator’s style has been seen in live-action films like Blade Runner and The Fifth Element.
Waititi Has Jodorowsky’s Stamp of Approval
Both Waititi and Clement have an honest reverence for Jodorowsky’s work. In a photo on the movie’s website, they kneel on either side of the legendary filmmaker, mimicking the famous shot of Jodorowsky as the Alchemist from The Holy Mountain.
The Hollywood Reporter had Waititi’s statement on the matter:
“The films and graphic novels of Alejandro Jodorowsky have influenced me and so many others for so long. I was stunned to be given the opportunity to bring his iconic characters to life, and I am grateful to Alejandro, Fabrice and everyone at Humanoids for trusting me to do so.”
And in a short video made by Frank Pavich (director of Jodorowsky’s Dune), Jodorowsky mentions that he would be infuriated if he were to see someone else making a movie from his work. But he’s 93 and might not be able to physically make movies anymore. He then vets Waititi, saying he is the right person to make this film. Also per The Hollywood Reporter, he stated:
“When Humanoids’ CEO Fabrice Giger introduced me to Taika Waititi’s work, it became obvious to me that he was the one. I fully trust Taika’s creativity to give The Incal a stunning take, intimate and at the same time of cosmic proportions.”
No doubt we can trust Waititi if Jodorowsky can.