Frank Miller’s big-screen adaptation of the Will Eisner comic book series The Spirit is coming to theaters sooner than expected. Previously set to open on Jan. 16, the Lionsgate release will now debut on Christmas Day, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Lionsgate has domestic and U.K. distribution rights to the pic, which is co-financed and produced by Odd Lot Ent. and Batfilm Prods. The movie is the first production in a multi-picture co-financing, co-production and split-rights arrangement between the three companies.
Miller, who co-directed Robert Rodriguez’ adaptation of his own graphic novel, Sin City, is bringing a similar look and feel to this project, blending live-action with CG sets and effects to tell the story of a man who fakes his own death and becomes a legendary crime fighter. From the shadows of Central City, he tracks The Octopus, a cold-blooded killer who murders anyone unfortunate enough to see his face. In addition to saving the city from grotesque villains, our hero must handle a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill him. The film stars Gabriel Macht in the title role, with Samuel L. Jackson playing the part of The Octopus. Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, Sarah Paulson, Stana Katic, Dan Lauria, Jaime King, Paz Vega and Louis Lombardi round out the cast.
Gigi Pritzker and Deborah Del Prete (The Wedding Planner, Suburban Girl) are producing the film for Odd Lot, with Lionsgate’s president of film production Mike Paseornek producing for Lionsgate, and Michael Uslan (Batman Begins, Constantine) producing for Batfilm. Batfilm co-founder Benjamin Melniker and Steve Maier are exec producers on the project, and Odd Lot’s Linda McDonough and Batfilm’s F.J. DeSanto are co-producers.
To see the teaser trailer for The Spirit and an interview with Miller from the New York Comic Con, go to www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1585694&vid=225572.
