Preacher Movie Takes Another Step

Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion's landmark Comic series 'Preacher' might finally make the leap to the big screen. The project has been in development since 1998 and at one point Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier attached to produce a film based on the first story arc. Smith and Moseir left the project, then in 2002 after the rights had swapped hands it looked like they were ready to go on a script by Garth Ennis, James Marsden was attached to play Jessie Custer (a great choice by the way.) Then 2006 the the idea had been scrapped but in walked HBO with an idea so logical its amazing no other comics have done the same- MINISERIES! What better way for an episodic medium to truly reach it's full potential without having to cram a complex and thrilling story with a surplus of characterization into a two hour film (looking at you Watchmen.) Yes all seemed well Garth Ennis was excited and even writing new stories for the series, Mark Steven Johanson (the director of the underrated 'Daredevil' and the traumatizing mess that was 'Ghostrider') was scheduled to helm it and everything was falling into place. Then HBO went on a bit of a corporate reshuffle and the new head scrapped the idea worried about the controversy it might bring (it's HBO!) Jump to October 2008 and Columbia Pictures have purchased the rights with Sam Mendes attached to direct and there hadn't been much progress until today when John August (the writer of Corpse Bride and Big Fish) was commissioned to have a go at writing a script, it's also been announced that when he finishes he'll be writing a feature version of Tim Burton's famous short 'Frankenweenie.'

On a side note I'm still not sure if a movie is really a good idea for Preacher, the story is so brilliantly told that to lose any of it feels like a great loss, same thing with Watchmen and the forthcoming Y-The Last Man adaptation. The fact that these stories are not continuous and have definite endings seem like they are primed to be turned into great miniseries.

Plus if you havent read any Preacher yet stop everything follow this link and buy the first book.