'Deadman' found alive and well

Thanks to Guillermo Del Toro and Akiva Goldsman, two cult comic classics are heading for the big screen.

Jul 21 2006

Arnold Drake is doing well these days with his two major works, 'Deadman' and 'Doom Patrol', both getting the big screen treatment.

'Deadman' is a joint effort between Guillermo del Toro and Don Murphy's Angry Films, and while Del Toro is only producing at the moment, he told the Hollywood Reporter 'If there is a window and an opportunity, I could end up directing'.

As for the story, 'Deadman' was a circus acrobat who was shot dead by a sniper mid-routine. His spirit was then granted more time on earth and the ability to possess people so that he could track down his killer. Although he couldn't be seen while in spirit form, the comic always portrayed him in his circus costume (meaning we finally have a plausible reason for a superhero to prance around in red tights!).

A tale of vengeance, murder and the battle between good and evil, the film will feature a strong horror element, and if it turns out that Del Toro can't direct, might we suggest Park Chan-Wook ('Oldboy', 'Lady Vengeance') as the man for the job?

As for 'Doom Patrol', Akiva Goldsman is set to produce the big screen adaptation of the DC Comic, which will be scripted by relative unknown Adam Turner.

Revolving around a bunch of social misfits lead by a wheelchair bound mentor, it came out a few months before the similar, but much better known, 'X-Men'.

However, most of the original characters were soon killed off and when the series was revived later it took on a much darker and scarier edge. By its third revival 'Doom Patrol' was one of the most strange and surreal comics in circulation.

Speaking of the project, Goldsman told Variety 'These are some of the most original, offbeat comic book characters we have ever come across, and Adam Turner's unique sensibility makes him a perfect fit for the material.'