Odd job for Miller
Comicbook artist to helm 'The Spirit'
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Comicbook artist Frank Miller will adapt and direct "The Spirit," based on comic legend Will Eisner's classic strip, for Odd Lot Entertainment and Batfilm Prods.
Miller made his helming debut co-directing "Sin City" -- adapted from his graphic novel -- with Robert Rodriguez.
Deborah Del Prete and Gigi Pritzker's Odd Lot is financing the pic.
Their decision to tap Miller will be announced at Comic-Con on Saturday, no doubt thrilling fans in attendance.
"The Spirit," which debuted in 1940, tells the story of a masked detective who is believed to be dead. Using a mausoleum as his home base, Eisner's character fights crime in the dark shadows of Central City, using cunning and ingenious forms of punishment.
DC Comics has reprinted much of the comic series -- Eisner's best-known work -- in hardcover form.
Eisner, who died last year, is revered by comicbook fans. Industry's top kudofest, to be held Friday at Comic-Con, is named after him.
Odd Lot bought rights to "The Spirit" from him in 2004.
Producers are Del Prete, Pritzker, and Batfilm's Michael Uslan ("Batman Begins").
Uslan said he shopped "The Spirit" to various studios with no luck. "They would say, 'This is great, but we have to get him out of a suit and tie and into spandex. Also, he doesn't have any superpowers.' "
Miller and Rodriguez are reteaming on "Sin City 2," with Miller penning the screenplay.
Miller's graphic novel "300" is being adapted for the bigscreen by Warner Bros., which is set to release the pic next spring. Warners' "Batman Begins" was based in large part on Miller's comicbook work.
"When (Uslan) invited me to do this, first I said I can't do this and then I said I can't let anybody else touch it," said Miller, who became friends with Eisner before latter's death. "I intend to be extremely faithful to the heart and soul of the material, but it won't be nostalgic. It will be much scarier than people expect."
Miller said he's putting together a treatment that consists in large part of panels from the "Spirit" strip. Shooting is expected to start in late spring.
Steve Maier and Batfilm co-founder Benjamin Melniker are exec producing. Odd Lot's Linda McDonough and Batfilm's F.J. DeSanto will co-produce.
Odd Lot, launched in 2001, most recently financed and produced Independent Spirit Award winner "Mean Creek." Company also produced "The Wedding Planner." Upcoming projects include "The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing" and "Lavender Hill Mob."
