Source: Scifi.com
Lionsgate has moved up the release of graphic novelist Frank Miller’s directorial debut, The Spirit, adapted from Will Eisner’s comic strip, to Dec. 25 from Jan. 16, 2009, Variety reported.
The action-adventure romance stars Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes. Miller (300, Sin City) also adapted the comic for the screen.
Spirit, a co-production of Odd Lot Entertainment and Lionsgate, revolves around a slain rookie cop who returns from the dead to fight crime and track a cold-blooded killer.
Lionsgate president of theatrical films Tom Ortenberg told the trade paper that the decision to shift the film to Christmas Day came after the project was presented to fans at New York Comic-Con.
Source: Reuters
On the heels of a $102 million opening weekend for "Iron Man," Marvel Animation is powering up the "Marvel Super Hero Squad."
The Marvel Entertainment division said it is producing 26 half-hour episodes of a new "super stylized" animated series aimed at 6- to 8-year-olds. It will feature such well-known heroes as Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Thor, Fantastic Four and Captain America; all occupy a caricatured Super Hero City and are thrust into humorous adventures as they thwart the villainous plans of Doctor Doom, Magneto, Loki, the Abomination and others.
Marvel is in discussions with networks for the distribution of "Squad," expected to be available for broadcast in 2009. The company already has two new series — "Wolverine and the X-Men" and "Iron Man: Armored Adventures" — set to debut early next year on Nicktoons.
"This initiative is part of an overall strategy to create new brands and maximize exposure for the characters in the Marvel universe by keeping them fresh and relevant for a new audience and to provide a consistent presence in the marketplace," Marvel Entertainment president of animation Eric Rollman said.
Marvel also is developing a multimedia and merchandising campaign for the show, with Hasbro handling the toy line. Marvel Comics is introducing a "Squad" book series in the fall, and a direct-to-video animated feature is in development for 2010.
Lionsgate has moved up the release of graphic novelist Frank Miller’s directorial debut, The Spirit, adapted from Will Eisner’s comic strip, to Dec. 25 from Jan. 16, 2009, Variety reported. 
