The U.S. distribution rights for the film adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s “Solomon Kane” have been acquired by Lionsgate. According to Fangoria, the rights were picked up at the American Film Market and may lead to “Solomon Kane” having a full theatrical release before coming out on DVD.
The $40 million film was written and directed by Michael J. Bassett and stars James Purefoy as the title character. Bassett’s previous films include “Deathwatch” and “Wilderness” while Purefoy is perhaps best known for his role as Marc Antony on the HBO series, “Rome.” Legendary film actor Max Von Sydow also stars in the movie along with Rachel Hurd-Wood, Pete Postlethwaite and Alice Krige.
Created by Howard in 1928, Solomon Kane is a 16th century Puritan warrior who wanders the world in search of evil monsters to slay. Bassett’s film re-imagines Kane as a mercenary soldier who converts to Puritanism in order to redeem himself in the eyes of God before he is forced to confront supernatural forces once more.
Bassett has also reworked Kane’s backstory to introduce his heroic father Josiah Kane—played by Sydow—and a potential love interest in the form of Hurd-Wood’s character, Meredith Crowthorn.
“Solomon Kane” made its debut earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival and is hoped to be the first film of a trilogy. “Conan” and “Red Sonja”—two of Howard’s better known creations—are also heading to the big screen. However, “Solomon Kane” will likely precede both of them by at least a year or more.
Back in September, we gave you a look at the trailer for Solomon Kane and I’ve dropped it below so you can check it out again. Enjoy!
