Sci-Fi Franchise Goes Mainstream: What Kri8 Universe’s Global Ambitions Mean for IP Ownership

The Toronto film market is abuzz with news of “Kri8 Universe”, a five-world science-fiction franchise that has spent 14 years in development. Uzair Merchant, the production designer behind the project, claims to be walking into talks with studios and investors not with an idea, but with a fully formed universe ready for global licensing.

Merchant’s background in international film and television production lends credence to his ambition. He has credits on “Deadpool 2”, “Fast & Furious 7”, and “Star Trek Beyond”, among others, demonstrating his ability to adapt global stories for diverse audiences. The Kri8 Universe boasts a vast scope – five interconnected worlds, anchored by 16 original characters, with a rich mythology that spans multiple mediums.

The franchise’s existing output includes books, soundtracks, films, screenplays, music videos, and games. This eclectic mix is actually evidence of the universe’s versatility, as Merchant has spent years building a cohesive ecosystem that can travel across formats and languages. The commercial rollout is less about finding a business model for a concept, but rather about connecting with partners who can help unlock its global potential.

Gayathiri Guliani, co-founder of K2 Media Capital, notes that this is no ordinary franchise: “The world has already been built, the characters have been developed, and the creative ecosystem has been tested across multiple mediums.” The team’s approach essentially says: “We’ve done the heavy lifting – now it’s up to you to take this to the next level.”

This raises questions about ownership and control in the age of global IP licensing. As Kri8 Universe prepares to expand into new markets, the lines between creator and distributor are blurring. By bringing a fully formed universe to the table, Merchant and his team are asserting their vision for the franchise’s global rollout.

The emphasis on cross-cultural collaboration and musical diversity – blending Arabic sounds, hip-hop, and Bollywood influences – is also a nod to the increasingly complex nature of entertainment in today’s globally connected market. As Merchant notes, “The mythology exists. The books exist. The music exists. The characters exist.” Now, it’s not just about adapting these worlds for new audiences but also navigating their cultural context.

As Kri8 Universe makes its global debut, one thing is clear: this franchise will challenge traditional notions of IP ownership and distribution. Will the industry be able to keep up with Merchant’s vision? Only time – and partnerships – will tell.