Comic-book film adaptations are all the rage right now, and some folks are mining the deep depths to find what they think will be “the next big thing.” Back in 2004, a horror-themed comic book was published by IDW called ‘Aleister Arcance’ which featured a TV weatherman-turned-horror host and his potential otherworldly connections; it was illustrated by Breehn Burns and written by Steve Niles, the latter of whom is best known to audiences for writing fellow horror comic ’30 Days of Night.’
‘Aleister Arcane’ was immediately optioned for film rights by Paramount, but no solid project ever developed and the rights eventually lapsed back to IDW. Now we’re getting word that Amblin Entertainment has not only picked up the rights to the property, they already have talent for both behind the camera and in front of it.
Eli Roth, best known for directing such gore-drenched horror films as ‘Cabin Fever,’ ‘Hostel,’ and ‘The Green Mile,’ is on-board to direct the film adaptation. Jim Carrey is set to star in the title role, leaving us to wonder what tone this film will take in its final form; will Carrey go the darker-role route as he did in his other notable horror outing, 2007’s ‘The Number 23,’ or will Roth lighten his traditionally darker filmmaking style to make ‘Aleister Arcane’ slightly more family-friendly? The comic series is horror with heavy comedic undertones, so it’s tough to say at this juncture which direction the film version may go.
Here’s the “official” description of the book, from IDW’s website:
Aleister Green loves playing late night TV horror host Aleister Arcane in his hometown of Jackson, OK. But Jackson’s establishment forces him off the air and into unhappy retirement, and an early grave. Aleister has left a little gift behind, will Jackson ever be the same?
No set release date has yet been given for ‘Aleister Arcane.’ We will keep you updated with more information as we receive it!
Source: THR
Tony Schaab went to a convention once, and all he bought there was a towel; he patted himself on the back, however, the Vogon Constructor Fleet showed up at Earth the next day. A lover of most things sci-fi and horror, Tony is an author by day and a DJ by night. Come hang out with Tony on Facebook and Twitter to hear him spew semi-funny nonsense and get your opportunity to finally put him in his place.
