As Marvel Editor-in-chief throughout the 1980s, Jim Shooter’s run was not without controversy. However, he wrote one of the company’s biggest hits with Secret Wars. Initially a Mattel toy tie-in, it later became a best-seller during a 12-issue run throughout 1984-85. According to the man behind the successful limited comic book series, Marvel Studios may be developing its own film adaptation of the original story.

As reported by CBR, which covered the MegaCon in Orlando: “I said, ‘This means you’re making a movie, right?’” recalled Shooter. “He said, ‘Well, I’m not allowed to tell you that.’ I said, ‘I think you just did.’” Shooter is referring to two phone calls he received asking if he would write a Secret Wars novelization. After asking that multi-million dollar question, it was implied even in its secretive answer that a film may be in the works.

In the comics, a cosmic entity called Beyonder kidnaps several heroes and villains and brings them to his planet Battleworld, where they are forced to fight. It features the first appearance of Spider-Man’s black costume, which paved the way for the character of Venom years later. The Russo brothers previously expressed interest in directing an adaptation of the comic series, though nothing has been confirmed yet. We’ll see if this project is developed into a film or tv series and if it’ll do justice to Shooter’s original classic.