‘The Goon’ movie still on the way

What’s better then a comic book about zombies? A movie about zombies, that’s what. But what about a movie adapted from a comic book about zombies? Well, that’s just double awesome.

The Goon, a comic book series created by prominent graphic novelist Eric Powell, follows the alleged henchmen Goon and Frankie as they fight zombie hordes controlled by the top hat wearing Zombie Priest. Likely the only media to ever have a reverse zombie (he likes the flesh of the dead), the series is known for its rather bizarre explorations into the world of the occult.

When it was announced in 2008 that Powell was adapting the series for a CG animated film, with David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac) set to produce, it was immediately added to my mental list of movies to keep an eye on. It wasn’t until 2009, however, that Powell revealed the cast.

Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption, Carnivale) is set to take on the role of Goon, while Paul Giamatti (American Splendor) will be returning to comic book adaptations as the sidekick Frankie. No word yet on villains, but I wouldn’t mind seeing them bring Klaus Kinski back from the dead for a stab at the Zombie Priest.

Later in 2009, Ain’t It Cool got its hands on some early photos of the film, one of which can be seen above. It’s safe to say they live up to the expectations. The combination of detail and cartoonish character designs is enough to give any self-respecting CGI fan an eyegasm. A hand drawn poster and tentative release date of 2010 were also revealed, adding to the ever building excitement.

In addition to the revealing of the poster at Comic Con, guests were treated to an exclusive teaser, which still hasn’t found its way online but was allegedly met with great enthusiasm.

After that, there was little news for almost a year, suggesting that the project had possibly gone into production hell. However, MTV Splash Page recently managed to get an interview with Powell, where he expressed his desire to move forward with the project.

“”I think as soon as Fincher is finished working on the film he’s on now, they’re going to try and get this thing up and going,” said Powell. “It’s in good shape. We’re slowly grinding forward, but all the blocks have to be in place first.”

He also hinted that while Fincher may not be credited with directing, he will have a large part in the production.

“Directing an animated film is a little different form directing a live-action film, but they’re still making those decisions,” he explained. “Fincher is heavily involved and he’s going to have final say over everything, so we will get his input — he won’t just be a figurehead.”

Though perhaps the 2010 release date seems to be passing this one by, it’s well worth keeping your eyes out for. After all, it takes a man of great genius to think of communist octopuses that use personal zeppelins.