Buck Rogers Movie Lands Writer Zeb Wells

Legendary Pictures has hired Zeb Wells to write its upcoming Buck Rogers movie, setting the stage for a return of one of science fiction’s oldest space heroes to the big screen. The project is still in early development, but Wells’ addition marks a major step forward for the long-gestating adaptation.

The Buck Rogers film aims to reintroduce the iconic adventurer first seen in 1920s pulp magazines and later in radio, television, and comic strips. Legendary’s decision to move ahead comes after several years of attempts by different studios to revive the property, which helped define the space opera genre decades before Star Wars. Wells’ involvement signals renewed momentum for the project, which has lingered in development since the studio first acquired rights to the character.

Wells is best known for his work as a comic book writer at Marvel and as a key creative voice behind Spider-Man: Homecoming and Deadpool 3. He has earned a reputation for blending humor with emotional depth, qualities that could help modernize Buck Rogers while keeping its retro charm intact. His hiring also underscores Legendary’s interest in combining established franchises with strong creative perspectives, following the success of its Dune and Godzilla x Kong series.

The character of Buck Rogers has had a long and varied history. Created by Philip Francis Nowlan in 1928, the character debuted in Armageddon 2419 A.D. and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The 1939 serial starring Buster Crabbe and the 1979 NBC television series brought the futuristic hero to generations of fans. While previous attempts to revive the series stalled, the enduring appeal of pulp-era sci-fi continues to draw new audiences eager for classic adventure told with modern storytelling.

Details about the film’s direction remain limited. Legendary has not announced a director or cast, and no release window has been set. However, the combination of Wells’ writing background and the studio’s recent success with visually rich, large-scale storytelling suggests a project that could bridge old-fashioned heroics with contemporary cinematic style.

The tone and scope of the new Buck Rogers movie are still being determined, but the property’s mix of interstellar exploration, romance, and adventure offers ample potential for reinvention. Legendary’s approach could aim to balance nostalgic appeal with the kind of world-building that has defined its most successful franchises.

For now, the project remains in script development, with Wells expected to deliver a draft in the coming months. If production moves forward, Buck Rogers could mark the character’s first theatrical appearance in over 80 years. Fans of vintage science fiction will be watching closely to see whether the 25th-century explorer can once again capture imaginations in the modern movie landscape.