At Cannes, Ghost Rider producer Steven Paul announced he has acquired a majority interest in the Atlas Comics library. He’s also signed a co-production and co-financing first-look deal with Paramount Pictures. The goal is to develop, produce, and release superhero films based on the classic comic books.

A writer’s room of nine individuals is being put together and overseen by Akiva Goldsman and his Weed Road Pictures.

Production is set to begin in the second quarter of 2020 with the first film to be released in 2021. The goal is to release one superhero project each year after.

Paul acquired the stake from its owner Nemesis Group and principal Jason Goodman, grandson of Martin Goodman. Goodman was the founder of Marvel Comics, which was later run by Martin’s cousin Stan Lee.

The actual character count is going on but from the initial announcement it sounds like publishing will be included. Jason Goodman who is taking a stake in the new Atlas company will head up publishing and be involved in the film and television projects.

Atlas has a long history in comics. Martin Goodman founded Timely Productions in 1939. He then created the division of Atlas Comics in the 1950s which was the original home to Marvel‘s characters. In the 1960s, that became Marvel Comics. Due to a bad deal, in 1974 Goodman and his son Charles “Chip” Goodman “re-launched” Atlas Comics.

Upon Martin Goodman’s death, the company remained untouched. In 2010 when Jason Goodman, Martin’s grandson, took possession. That resulted in a false start in an attempt to relaunch the publishing brand with Ardden Entertainment. Subsequent lawsuits over trademarks were launched as well.