American Jesus coming to theaters

Director Matthew Vaughn and writer Mark Millar, who collaborated on the upcoming comic adaptation Kick-Ass, are in talks to reteam for another Millar-created comicbook adaptation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Vaughn is considering American Jesus for his next directing vehicle, which would be produced by Vaughn and his Marv Films partner Kris Thykier, and independently financed, à la the Kick-Ass project.

American Jesus follows the return of Christ in the modern world, leading to a final confrontation with the Antichrist in a bid to save humanity.

Peter Gross was the artist on the book, which originally appeared as a three-issue miniseries in 2006 with the title Chosen. When Millar decided to continue the story as a trilogy of mini-series, the series title became American Jesus.

Vaughn and Millar are considering a summer production start, however the duo is also developing yet another action film project. Millar has written a bunch of creator-owned comics that have caught Hollywood’s eye, including last year’s Wanted. He also has the adaptation War Heroes set up at Columbia Pictures.

Kick-Ass, about a 16-year-old who decides to become a superhero, stars Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Aaron Johnson. The movie is in postproduction, and currently scheduled to hit theaters later this year. Vaughn originally made the film outside the studio system because of its depiction of children in ultra-violent situations.