Preacher Converts a Writer

Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon's outstanding comic "Preacher" has been in development in various forms for quite sometime. Previously the 75 issue comic book was being developed for HBO by Mark Steven Johnson, but the ultimately fell through over the final concepts of the show. Since then, Columbia Pictures have aquired the rights to the property and are currently developing the film with Sam Mendes attached to direct. Since November not much has moved in the Preacher wheels, but last thursday THR reports that John August has signed on to write the film adaptation for Columbia Pictures.

John August can be most remembered for his work with Tim Burton, which he wrote Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride for the fanatasy director. A sidenote; August will also write "Frankenweenie" for Burton which is said to be Burton's next project after "Alice in Wonderland" and has a target release of 2011. August's other work includes Go, both Charlie's Angels films, Titan A.E. and The Nines.

Although I am extremely excited by the fact that Sam Mendes is set to direct "Preacher," I am not so sold on John August adapting Dillon and Ennis wonderful work. He just doesn't feel like the right choice to develop the morbid story. His track record does not point to the dark material that is necessary to do the "Preacher" any kind of real justice. Can't you just see the movie trailer now, "From the writer of Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle, comes "Preacher," the story of a small town pastor who is possessed and accidentally kills his entire congregation." (Yeah, neither can I)

"Preacher" must also be more than just one film! The HBO series that was originally set to be made, seemed far more able to fully explain "Preacher." Hopefully Columbia is developing the film as a trilogy at the very least. More to come on "Preacher' as it develops.

What say you? Does John August give you confidence that "Preacher" will be good? Have you read the comics? Did you know August had never seen the original 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory when he was hired to pen the modern Tim Burton adaptation. Let's hope John August has read "Preacher." Strikeback...