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DMZ
Genre
Created byRoberto Patino
Based on
Directed by
Starring
Music byKris Bowers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes4
Production
Executive producers
  • Roberto Patino
  • Ava DuVernay
  • Paul Garnes
  • Ernest Dickerson
Producers
  • Dale Williams
  • Tim Scanlan
CinematographyMatthew J. Lloyd
Editors
  • Gina Hirsch
  • John Reyes-Nguyen
Running time58–60 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkHBO Max
ReleaseMarch 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)

DMZ is an American dystopian streaming television miniseries created by Roberto Patino, based on the comic book series of the same name by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli, that premiered on HBO Max on March 17, 2022.[1] A portion of the miniseries premiered at SXSW on March 12, 2022.[2]

Premise

Alma Ortega, a NYC medic, becomes a symbol of hope in a demilitarized Manhattan Island while trying to find her son, who wandered off instead of sticking with her during their evacuation from Manhattan during the Second American Civil War.

Cast

Main

Recurring

In addition, Bryan Gael Guzman co-stars as Christian Ortega, Alma's teenage son in flashbacks.

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code
1"Good Luck"Ava DuVernayRoberto PatinoMarch 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)T58.10001
As the clock begins on Alma's dangerous 24hrs passage into a lawless Manhattan in search of her son Christian, rivals Parco and Wilson seek approval from the DMZ's major gangs in separate bids for governor.
2"Advent"Ernest DickersonRoberto Patino & Carly WrayMarch 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)T58.10102
As Parco and Wilson shore up last minute support before their first debate at City Hall, Alma makes a desperate appeal to the holder of the DMZ's ultimate power source.
3"The Good Name"Ernest DickersonRoberto Patino & Carly WrayMarch 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)T58.10103
Alma makes it clear whom she's fighting for as Wilson's thief is revealed. Odi's kindness is returned and Skel finds himself torn between Terry and Parco. War breaks out in the DMZ.
4"Home"Ernest DickersonRoberto PatinoMarch 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)T58.10104
Just as she negotiates safe passage out of the DMZ, Alma wrestles with a compelling reason to stay, while Skel is forced to choose between those he loves.

Production

Development

In February 2014, it was announced that Syfy was planning on making a TV series adaptation of the comic with former writers and executive producers Andre Jacquemetton and Maria Jacquemetton, with David Heyman as executive producer for the potential series.[3] On October 1, 2019, it was announced that HBO Max was developing a TV series adaptation of the comic with Ava DuVernay directing the pilot with Roberto Patino writing the pilot and as showrunner the series. It was also announced that DuVernay and Patino would both executive produce under their respective overall deals with Warner Bros. Television.[4] On November 19, 2020, HBO Max gave DMZ a limited series order of four episodes, with Patino set to write all of the episodes.[5] In July 2021, Ernest Dickerson joined the series as an executive producer and directed three episodes.[6] The series premiered on March 17, 2022.[1]

Casting

On January 22, 2020, Rosario Dawson was cast as Alma.[7] On February 6, 2020, Benjamin Bratt was cast as Parco Delgado.[8] On February 18, 2020, Freddy Miyares was cast as Skel.[9] Upon the limited series order announcement, Hoon Lee and Jordan Preston Carter joined the main cast.[5] On July 12, 2021, Rutina Wesley, Mamie Gummer, Nora Dunn, and Henry G. Sanders were cast in undisclosed capacities while Venus Ariel, Jade Wu, Rey Gallegos, Agam Darshi, and Juani Feliz were cast as series regulars.[6]

Filming

On October 1, 2019, the pilot was scheduled to go into production in early 2020,[4] with filming on the pilot wrapping on March 16, 2020.[10] Filming for the pilot took place in Atlanta.[11] Filming for the rest of the episodes wrapped in 2021.[5]

Reception

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the limited series holds a 50% approval rating based on 14 critic reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "DMZ takes an explosive premise and lets it fizzle, although a commanding Benjamin Bratt tries his best to ignite some sparks in this uneven dystopian drama."[12] On Metacritic, the miniseries has a score of 58 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[13]

Notes

References

  1. ^ a b "This March Stream "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty," Oscar® Nominees "Dune," "King Richard" "Drive My Car," "West Side Story," And More On HBO Max". WarnerMedia (Press release). February 22, 2022. Archived from the original on February 25, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  2. ^ "DMZ". SXSW. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  3. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 5, 2014). "Series Adaptation Of DC Comic 'DMZ' From 'Mad Men's Andre & Maria Jacquemetton, 'Gravity's David Heyman Set Up At Syfy". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Patten, Dominic (October 1, 2019). "Ava DuVernay Teams With HBO Max For 'DMZ' Pilot; DC Comic Depicts New American Civil War". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 31, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c White, Peter (November 19, 2020). "'DMZ': HBO Max Hands Series Order To Ava DuVernay & Roberto Patino's Futuristic Civil War Drama, Based On DC Comic". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  6. ^ a b Petski, Denise (July 12, 2021). "'DMZ': Rutina Wesley & Mamie Gummer Among 9 Cast Additions; Ernest Dickerson & Carly Wray Join Creative Team Of HBO Max's DC Seriess". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  7. ^ Porter, Rick (January 22, 2020). "Rosario Dawson to Star in Ava DuVernay's 'DMZ' at HBO Max". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 22, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  8. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 6, 2020). "DC Comics 'DMZ': Benjamin Bratt Joins HBO Max Pilot From Ava DuVernay". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 8, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  9. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (February 18, 2020). "HBO Max Pilot 'DMZ' Adds 'When They See Us' Star Freddy Miyares". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  10. ^ DuVernay, Ava [@ava] (March 16, 2020). "That's a wrap. Thanks to the mighty crew and cast of #DMZ, led by the magnificent @RosarioDawson. Had an absolute blast!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 16, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020 – via Twitter.
  11. ^ STEVES, ASHLEY. "Atlanta What's Filming: HBO Max's Series Adaptation of 'DMZ' + A Casting Opportunity". Backstage. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  12. ^ "DMZ: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  13. ^ "DMZ: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved March 17, 2022.

External links

Live-action TV series based on DC Comics publications
Max original programming
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