HBO Max has today given a series order to the original limited series DMZ starring Rosario Dawson and Benjamin Bratt. Production on the four episode series will begin in 2021.
Based on the DC Comics series, the limited series is set in the near future, when America is embroiled in a bitter civil war, leaving Manhattan a demilitarized zone (DMZ), destroyed and isolated from the rest of the world. It chronicles the harrowing journey of fearless and fierce medic Alma Ortega (Dawson) to find the son she lost in the evacuation of New York City at the onset of the conflict. Throwing gasoline on the flames of that conflict is Parco Delgado (Bratt), the popular and deadly leader of one of the most powerful gangs in the DMZ. He wants to rule this new world and will stop at nothing to secure that outcome. The drama will examine the stark political and cultural divide in American society, where Alma must contend with the gangs, militias, demagogues and warlords that control this lawless no man's land. In doing so, she becomes the unlikely source of what everyone there has lost - hope.
The cast also features Hoon Lee, Freddy Miyares and Jordan Preston Carter.
Roberto Patino will write every episode, with Ava DuVernay directing the premiere. Warner Bros. Television and ARRAY Filmworks will produce.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to bring this epic to the screen with my boundary-pushing partners at WBTV and HBO Max, a sublime cast led by Rosario and Benjamin, and my partner and friend, the inimitable and ever-inspiring Ava DuVernay," said Patino. "DMZ offers up an explosive playground which, more than anything else, exalts the resilience of community and the human spirit. I can't wait to welcome the die-hard fans of the comic books and new viewers alike to this intoxicating, haunting and inspiring world."
"DMZ's unflinching story of a country torn apart resonates eerily and profoundly amid our current state of the union," added Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max. "With the powerhouse visionary team of Ava and Roberto at the helm, bringing this critically acclaimed DC gem to life promises to entertain and inspire hope."