Sam Mendes to direct Preacher adaptation

According to Variety, Sam Mendes will helm the film adaptation of the supernatural graphic novel series Preacher for Columbia.

Originally created by Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon, the story focuses on the preacher from a Texas town struggling to get by, who is driven only by a strong moral sense. When his city is decimated by an otherworldly force, he embarks on a journey across the country to challenge the evil that destroyed his town. The 75-issue series ran from 1995-2000, and has been lauded with numerous awards, including four Eisners.

Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) is currently wrapping up the Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet starring Revolutionary Road.

Neal Moritz (I Am Legend) will produce the film through his Original Films shingle.