Jackson in the "Spirit" for Miller

By Tatiana Siegel and Borys Kit

CANNES/LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Samuel L. Jackson is in negotiations to star as a supervillain in the Frank Miller-helmed comic book adaptation "The Spirit" for Lionsgate and Odd Lot Entertainment.

The story centres on Denny Colt, an ambitious young cop murdered in the line of duty who is reborn as the masked mystery man known as the Spirit.

Jackson would play the Spirit's nemesis, the Octopus, a meek lab assistant who reinvents himself as a psychotic nightmare that kills anyone unfortunate enough to see his face. The Octopus' tentacles reach into every aspect of crime in fictitious Central City, a metropolis he plans to wipe out.

Miller said during an introduction of the project at the Cannes Film Festival that Jackson is his first choice to play the evil genius who knows the secrets behind the Spirit. He added that he is beginning to mull different actors to play the comic book hero.

Miller, one of the world's most renowned graphic artists, penned the screenplay, which is based on the comic book series created by the late Will Eisner. The film will mark the first solo directing project for Miller, who co-helmed 2005's "Sin City" with Robert Rodriguez.

Lionsgate will distribute the film in the U.S. and the UK.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter