Lionsgate Picks Up 'Solomon Kane'

The U.S. distribution rights for the film adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s “Solomon Kane” have been acquired by Lionsgate.

According to Fangoria, the rights were picked up at the American Film Market and may lead to “Solomon Kane” having a full theatrical release before coming out on DVD.

It stars James Purefoy in the title role, Max von Sydow as Solomon's father, Mackenzie Crook as deranged priest Father Michael, Rachel Hurd-Wood as Meredith Crowthorn, Pete Postlethwaite as Puritan patriarch William Crowthorn and Alice Krige as his wife Katherine, and Ian Whyte as a demon called The Reaper.

The $40 million movie is written and directed by British fimmaker and screenwriter Michael J. Bassett, whose credits include wartime horror flick "Deathwatch."

Created by Howard in 1928, Solomon Kane is a 16th century Puritan warrior who wanders the world in search of evil monsters to slay. Bassett’s film re-imagines Kane as a mercenary soldier who converts to Puritanism in order to redeem himself in the eyes of God before he is forced to confront supernatural forces once more.

“Solomon Kane” made its debut earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival and is hoped to be the first film of a trilogy. “Conan” and “Red Sonja”—two of Howard’s better known creations—are also heading to the big screen. However, “Solomon Kane” will likely precede both of them by at least a year or more.

No release date has been given yet for a theatrical or DVD release, but hopefully it will come soon.

Interesting fact: "Highlander" star Christopher Lambert had originally been offered the title role.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: MTV News, The Geek Files