As we speak, writing, directing and producing duo Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (Superbad, This is the End) are hard at work on an adaptation of Garth Ennis’ 1990s graphic novel Preacher for AMC. Over the weekend, the two got into a discussion about the project over Twitter, and caught the attention of up-and-coming directors Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code) and Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper).
Aint It Cool News’ Eric Vespe began the conversation by suggesting that Goldberg and Rogen cast Kurt Russell as the Saint of Killers on the show. Jones then jumped in, apparently a bit out of the loop since he’s been busy directing a little video game movie called Warcraft for Legendary pictures, and asked about the project. Check out their conversation below (courtesy of /Film):
@ManMadeMoon @EricVespe @evandgoldberg TV show for AMC. Wanna direct some episodes? (I should note that we haven't finished a pilot script)
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) September 12, 2014
@Sethrogen @EricVespe @evandgoldberg Cant believe you offered Vespe the chance to direct! Im RIGHT HERE! Fuck you, Seth Rogen! Fuck you!
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) September 12, 2014
@Sethrogen @EricVespe @evandgoldberg But in all seriousness… I'd eat my own arm off to do it.
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) September 12, 2014
@ManMadeMoon @EricVespe @evandgoldberg sold!!!
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) September 13, 2014
Rian Johnson, who directed episodes of Breaking Bad for AMC and is busy writing and preparing to direct Star Wars: Episode VIII, was tossed into the mix when a fan suggested that he jump on board as well. Vespe suggested that he would be too busy, which led to this:
https://twitter.com/rianjohnson/status/510583663570853888
https://twitter.com/evandgoldberg/status/510584017612451840
@evandgoldberg @rianjohnson @EricVespe @ThatJoeMeyers @ManMadeMoon we can set an episode on the millennium falcon if it makes it easier.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) September 13, 2014
https://twitter.com/rianjohnson/status/510584745332191232
Twitter is a strange, wonderful thing, isn’t it? Back in the day, you’d have to go through an agent and manager before discussing a project with a potential director. Now, you just tag them on Twitter, and ask!
Of course, this doesn’t mean that Jones or Johnson will actually direct any episodes… but it’s great to hear that they’re interested. They’re both extremely talented (which, of course, makes them extremely busy), so there’s no doubt that they could knock Preacher out of the park. Especially if they go with Rogen’s Millenium Falcon idea…
With a pilot script for Preacher not even complete yet, it could be a while before we know who will direct some episodes. We’ll keep you updated on the series as more news becomes available. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts about Duncan Jones and Rian Johnson directing some episodes in the comments section.
Originally published September 15, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
