Production Weekly reported today that Renny Harlin is set to direct an adaptation of the graphic novel The Covenant, by Crossing Jordan writer Aron Coleite and artist Tone Rodriguez. But what they didn’t tell you is that the movie is being made by Sony Screen Gems along with numerous other interesting bits of info, read on for the full story…
Comic Book Resources writes:
Spring of 2006 will see a new film staring a group of young men learning to use their magical powers hit the silver screen in “The Covenant,” from writer J. S. Cardone. The Sony Screen Gems film, produced in association with Sandstorm Films, has already been green lit with production to start this fall. But before the film comes out you’ll get a chance to enter the world of “The Covenant” in the form of a new four issue original graphic novel to come this September from Top Cow and Spacedog, Inc.. The book is by “Crossing Jordan” writer Aron Coleite (“Proximity Effect”) and artist Tone Rodriguez (“Violent Messiahs”). We caught up with both creators to see what’s what with “The Covenant,” plus we’ve got a massive preview of the first issue for you.
“The Covenant” graphic novel features a story that takes place prior to the events in the upcoming movie and follows a group of four families whose patriarchs wield a vast eldritch power. Those powers have been passed down from father to son for generations. “The main players in the book are Caleb, Pogue, Reid and Miller. We meet them at the moment when they discover they are next in line to receive the power of the Covenant,” Coleite told CBR News earlier this week. “At my Bar-Mitzvah I was given a check for 13 dollars from my great uncle Jules. These four kids are told, ‘Happy Birthday – you’re warlocks and can tap into a magic that flows through the universe.’
“These four boys are the heroes of our story– and like any good coming of age story they’re also the villains. When you put a ‘Covenant’ together it doesn’t mean they’re going to get along. While the Covenant is going up against evil camp counselors and demented demons from hell, the real threat is to see if they’re going to tear themselves apart.
“The story begins with our four boys learning about the Covenant and how to use their powers,” continued Coleite. “During that summer of fun and experimentation, the boys unknowingly release an evil out into the world. Four years later, the Covenant has to stop the menace they unleashed. However, when suspicion falls on a member of the Covenant – the true evil is the jealousy that might tear the Covenant apart.”
While at first glance you might think “The Covenant” sounds a bit like the Harry Potter Universe, Coleite says that’s really not the case. “‘The Covenant’ skews much more towards ‘The Crucible’ than Harry Potter,” said Coleite. “The summer camp isn’t a camp for warlocks – it’s the former site of the Massachusetts Witch Trials – where witches and warlocks were burned alive. There’s a real history of persecution for all things magic or pagan. These boys are not only taught how to use their power, but more importantly taught to respect, fear and keep the magic secret.”
Coleite says that in writing “The Covenant” he’s found ’80s horror films to be a driving influence-creators like Wes Craven, George Romero and Tobe Hooper to name a few. “Love those guys. They messed my head up good,” said Coleite.
“I was also heavily influenced by the old annuals. Mostly X-Men. Claremont/Davis. You people know what I’m talking about. God, I miss them,” continued Coleite. “They were wonderful stand alone– longer than normal– fun romps. I could read them over and over again, all summer long. I wanted this book to be a fun, scary adventure that you could enjoy all summer long.
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