Sweet Tooth producer Robert Downey Jr. recently detailed how the upcoming Netflix adaptation differs from the beloved DC graphic novels. The highly anticipated eight-part fantasy drama will premiere on the streaming platform this summer.
Created by In the Shadow of the Moon's Jim Mickle, Netflix's Sweet Tooth follows Gus, a deer-boy hybrid who was raised in a sheltered home in the middle of the woods. The series will see Gus and his new friend Jepperd travel across America in hopes of learning more about their origins. Hybrids like Gus emerged after the Great Grumble and are being hunted by scared humans. The cast includes Christian Convery as Gus, Nonso Anozie as Tommy Jepperd, Adeel Akhtar as Dr. Aditya Singh, and Will Forte as Gus’ Father.
Downey Jr. is executive producing Sweet Tooth with his wife/producing partner Susan Downey and their production company Team Downey. This is the first comic book-related project the Iron Man star has been involved with since Marvel Studios' blockbuster superhero hit Avengers: Endgame. In a new featurette released by Netflix, Downey Jr. stated that he wanted to adapt the source material because he heard the comics had an “incredible emotional breadth of the storytelling.” The producing team noted that the series isn't as dark as the graphic novels. "We felt like we could really hold onto the themes, but make it a more enjoyable place," stated Susan Downey.
The series is based on Jeff Lemire’s acclaimed comic book limited series with the same name. Sweet Tooth was published in 2009 by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint and primarily took place in a rural post-apocalyptic setting. In 2020, a sequel series titled The Return began publication. In the featurette, Lemire asserted that the series aligns with his original vision and that the best parts of the show are the brand new characters created for it. "This is seamless like the novel just continued on," added Downey Jr.
Sweet Tooth is just one of many comic book-related projects in the works at Netflix. Earlier this month, Steven S. DeKnight's Jupiter's Legacy dropped on the streaming giant. The series is based on Mark Millar's (Kiss-Ass, Wanted) and Frank Quitely's (We3) comic book series of the same name. The eight-episode first season explores the legacy of the world’s first superheroes.
The Leslie Bibb and Josh Duhamel-led series received negative reviews from critics and currently holds a 34% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The large ensemble cast includes Ben Daniels, Mike Wade, and Matt Lanter. While Millar has teased that he has a rough plan for the second season, Netflix has yet to renew the show for future seasons.
Sweet Tooth will premiere on Netflix on June 4, 2021.
Source: Netflix|YouTube