The Hollywood Reporter has revealed the details of the extremely lucrative deal set up between Boom! Studios and 20th Century Fox that led to the adaptation of ‘2 Guns’, the summer action hit starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.

Marking what could be a massive shift in how studios perceive independent comic book companies, 20th Century Fox has signed an innovative first-look deal with BOOM! Studios and its recently acquired imprint, Archaia Entertainment.

“In an era where Jack Kirby doesn’t get paid for The Avengers, we are bringing the Jack Kirbys into the circle,” said BOOM! principal Ross Richie, a producer on 2 Guns “They can use our expertise in the field while they focus on being creative.”

According to insiders, the deal – in an unprecedented move – will lead to BOOM! getting first-dollar gross on the movies made from its properties, with that money being split 50/50 between the publisher and the creator(s) of the comic being adapted.

Interestingly, BOOM! will also gain access to Fox’s back catalogue as part of the deal, and will be allowed to pick and choose films to reboot in comic book form. The studio could then take those reconceived titles and use them to develop remakes, with BOOM! acting as a producer.

The partnership is said to be unlikely to have happened had BOOM! not merged with Archaia in June, as that merger resulted in a more stable company with a more appealing library of titles.

“BOOM!/Archaia has emerged as a publishing powerhouse devoted to original, innovative storytelling and world-class artists,” said 20th Century Fox production president Emma Watts. “Along with our recent deal with Epic, this relationship reinforces Fox’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent with smart, commercial content, as well as supporting a new breed of producer.”

Fairly exciting news, it has to be said, and news that could potentially lead to more deals of this kind being struck between movie producers and comic publishers in the future.