"Big Fish" scribe John August has been tapped to adapt the supernatural graphic novel "Preacher" for Columbia.
Sam Mendes will direct the pic, which centers on the preacher of a Texas town who is struggling to get by and is driven only by his strong moral sense. When the city is decimated by an otherworldly force, he embarks on a journey across the country to take on the evil.
Critically lauded graphic novel was created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon. The 75-issue "Preacher" series, which ran from 1995-2000, nabbed four Eisner Awards.
Sony-based Neal Moritz, who last year produced "Made of Honor," "Prom Night" and "Vantage Point" for the studio, is producing "Preacher" through his Original Film banner alongside Kickstart Prods.' Jason Netter. Ken Levin and Ori Marmur exec produce.
August, who is a frequent collaborator of Tim Burton, is currently writing "Dark Shadows" for Warner Bros. He made his directorial debut on 2007 drama "The Nines," which he also penned.
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