In an interview with Coming Soon, director/actor/writer Kevin Smith said he wasn’t up to direct an episode of Mark Steven Johnson’s upcoming HBO Preacher series.

“Yeah, he asked me if I wanted to direct an episode of ‘Preacher’; which I thought was pretty kind of him; but, I don’t know if I’m up to that. I love that book so much, and being able to translate one of those books to the screen, I don’t think that’s me. ‘Cause you don’t want to be the guy who f**ks it up, and so I was like, ‘Well, I don’t know, we’ll see.’ But I’m certainly not committed to do it, only as much of I don’t want to drop the ball ’cause I like it so much. But if it was some show I didn’t like; I mean, I’ve never really directed TV anyway, so it’s kind of difficult getting my head around it, but since it’s an hour-long drama, presumably, I’d be more keen to directing a movie rather than TV – I don’t know, maybe, maybe. The thing that would keep me from doing that would be I’d be afraid of ruining what I like so much about ‘Preacher’ – so we’ll see if that happens.”

Is HBO really considered TV? There certainly aren’t the restraints on say CBS and without commercial breaks, I see shows like Deadwood, Entourage, and Weeds as mini-movies instead of “TV”. Regardless, I would really be interested in seeing what Smith could do with a television series, Preacher, and HBO.

With the vast area to play with, Preacher could be the best show on HBO or “television”, period.

via Coming Soon (link)

I am so upset that HBO decided to not renew their popular western Deadwood.  It was probably one of the best shows HBO had going for it (besides Entourage of course).  Today, the Hollywood Reporter is reporting the cable channel will be developing a one-hour series based on Vertigo comics Preacher.

Mark Steven Johnson, who wrote the script for the upcoming Ghost Rider movie is writing the pilot, with Howard Deutch attached as the director.
This is great news for fans of the political/religious title and will certainly open the eyes of those viewers who think comics are still just for kids.

At this point, no information has been released on who will tackle the role of Preacher, so go ahead and let your comments be heard.  I for one would really like to see William Sanderson cast as Arseface.  I think with a shave and haircut, he’d be spot on.

Unfortunately, HBO will probably cancel the show way too early (Deadwood, Carnivale) and by the time the fans really get into the show, it will be too late.

via Hollywood Reporter (link)