Comic Book Supremo Creates Superhero For Sky

Comic book legend Stan Lee has created a "down to earth" superhero for a new Sky TV series starring James Nesbitt as a detective who can control luck.

It is the first UK TV drama for the 92-year-old behind such iconic action characters as Spider-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man and the X-Men.

The 10-episode Lucky Man is being made for Sky 1 by the producers of Downton Abbey, Carnival Films.

Lee, who has built up a legion of comic book fans during a career spanning seven decades, said: "Luck has always been a fascinating subject to me, and I am excited to finally share that fascination with audiences around the world.

"With all the creative projects I have worked on, I sure am a lucky man myself."

Nesbitt, the former Cold Feet star who recently appeared in The Missing, plays the lead role as murder squad detective Harry Clayton who is given a charm by a mysterious woman that gives him the ability to control luck.

And the powers bestowed by the ancient bracelet could not come at a better time for the character.

His wife and children have left him because of his gambling habit, his boss is hostile, and he has a huge debt to an infamous gangster who is threatening to kill him.

Lucky Man, which will be screened on Sky 1 next year, will co-star Eve Best, who appeared in Nurse Jackie and The Honourable Woman.

The production will also feature Sienna Guillory, Amara Karan, Darren Boyd, Omid Djalili, Jing Lusi and Kenneth Tsang.

Executive producer Richard Fell said: "Lucky Man is a different kind of superhero show - Stan has come up with an absolutely brilliant idea; something that we can all relate to.

"What if you could control luck? Would that be the greatest thing you could give someone, or their worst nightmare?

"It's a twist which brings the whole superhero genre right back down to earth, which we hope will appeal to the Sky 1 audience."

Adam MacDonald, director of Sky 1 said the channel was honoured to be working with Lee on his UK TV drama first.

He said: "Lucky Man is a visually striking crime thriller from the legend that is Stan Lee for Sky 1.

"The show is mysterious, thrilling, energetic and sure to appeal to our customers."

The series, based on an original idea by Lee, is being made in collaboration with Lee's multi-­media entertainment company POW! Entertainment.