The Genesis of “Mother Nature” Jamie Lee Curtis, renowned actress and author, revealed that the idea for “Mother Nature” had been brewing in her mind for years. She expressed her concern for the environment from a young age and felt compelled to address the urgent issue of climate change. Curtis shared that after working on the film “Halloween” in 2018, she felt invigorated and decided to bring her idea to life. Initially planning to hire a writer, Curtis’s husband suggested she take on the task herself. She wrote a 40-page treatment and enlisted the help of Russell Goldman to transform it into a full-fledged script.
Collaboration played a crucial role in the creation of “Mother Nature.” Curtis, Goldman, and Stevens worked closely together to develop the story and bring it to fruition. The team acknowledged the importance of accurately representing indigenous people in the narrative and sought guidance from members of the Navajo Nation. Their input was instrumental in shaping the story and ensuring its authenticity. Goldman highlighted the significance of early involvement from the Navajo advisors, stating, “It mattered to not just bring in advisors to say, ‘Here’s what we have, how do we fix it?’ But to bring them on very early in the process and share where we were coming from.” The team’s dedication to portraying the decisions made by one generation for the next resonated with the advisors and emphasized the universal perspective of the story.
The Plot of “Mother Nature”
“Mother Nature” revolves around Nova Terrell, a resident of Catch Creek, New Mexico, who seeks revenge against a powerful oil corporation responsible for her father’s mysterious death. The graphic novel delves into Nova’s campaign of sabotage against the company, leading her to uncover a terrifying secret about the true nature of the “Mother Nature” project. The story explores themes of environmental destruction, corporate greed, and the consequences faced by communities affected by such exploitation.
A Dark and Violent Tale
“Mother Nature” is not for the faint of heart. Curtis emphasized that the graphic novel contains elements of horror and violence, with multiple characters meeting gruesome ends at the hands of an angry Navajo god. The graphic novel’s imagery, vividly brought to life by Karl Stevens’ art, portrays the graphic nature of the story. Curtis teased, “There’s a lot of red. There will be blood in this book.”
Panel Discussion at SDCC 2023
During the SDCC panel dedicated to “Mother Nature,” Jamie Lee Curtis and her collaborators took the opportunity to discuss their creative process and the significance of their work. The panel was moderated by Andrew Sumner from Forbidden Planet TV, who guided the conversation and allowed the audience to gain deeper insights into the graphic novel. Curtis expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I saw this book in print two hours ago for the first time. I’ve seen it in a PDF form, and it is thrilling.” The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, demonstrating their support for Curtis and her team. The Timeliness of “Mother Nature” Curtis emphasized the relevance of “Mother Nature” in the current climate crisis, pointing out the extreme weather events experienced by the nation. She highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, “We are the hottest we’ve ever been in this country this week. I mean, talk about good timing. Seriously, we couldn’t be talking about something more important.” Film Adaptation Possibilities While discussing the future of “Mother Nature,” Curtis revealed that there is potential for the graphic novel to be adapted into a film. She expressed her enthusiasm for the idea and hinted at the possibility of a movie down the road. The audience eagerly awaits further developments in this regard, excited to see the story transition to the silver screen. Preparing for the Release As the panel came to a close, Curtis reminded fans that “Mother Nature” would be available for purchase on August 8, The graphic novel can be found at comic book shops, bookstores, and digital platforms. Fans can pre-order the book from various retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, local comic shops, and Forbidden Planet for those in the UK and Europe. Jamie Lee Curtis’s debut graphic novel, “Mother Nature,” made a significant impact at SDCC 2023. With its environmentally conscious message, collaboration with the Navajo Nation, and dark and violent narrative, the graphic novel promises to captivate readers. As anticipation grows for the release, fans eagerly await the opportunity to delve
into the world of “Mother Nature” and experience the unique storytelling of Jamie Lee Curtis, Russell Goldman, and Karl Stevens.