Warner Bros. is getting into the supervillain game, setting up an adapation of DC’s Suicide Squad as a possible franchise.

The property follows a black ops government strike team partially made up of incarcerated supervillains that undertake missions deemed too dangerous for normal folk, or even superheroes. In exchange, they can win a full pardon. In the comics, the group was led by field leader Rick Flag, who kept a remote control that could either detonate or deactivate the explosive bracelets the supervillains were forced to wear to discourage escape.

The project is early in its development, with Sherlock Holmes producer Dan Lin attached and Justin Marks writing the screenplay. WB is looking into the project’s franchise potential, as the team of supervillains could prove an effective counter to Marvel’s The Avengers.

The source material is a little more obscure than the Supermans and Batmans of the DC universe, but it’s got a great premise and, with the right approach (not EVERYTHING has to be “dark” just cause The Dark Knight was, WB!), could make for a ton of fun. We’ll let you know how this one develops.

Tags: Dan Lin, DC, Justin Marks, Suicide Squad