In 2008, HBO reportedly turned down a potential TV show based on Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s Vertigo comic book series “Preacher” because it was “too dark and too violent and too controversial.” Now “Preacher” may have a new home on television.
The rumor started at Bad Ass Digest, which ran a report stating that AMC has picked up the rights to “Preacher.” Further fueling the fire was an account at 13th Dimension that AMC’s Chief Operating Officer, Ed Carroll confirmed the rumor while purchasing the first “Preacher” trade paperback at Escape Pod Comics in Huntington, New York. Then Seth Rogan tweeted that “Looks like about seven of years of hard work are about to pay off. I may get to bring one of my favourite stories ever to life,” before adding “Arseface. John Wayne, The Saint of Killers;” all three of whom are major characters within “Preacher.”
Originally published between 1995 and 2000, “Preacher” followed the story of Jesse Cutter, a small town preacher who suddenly finds himself joined with the offspring of an angel and a demon that gives him the power to make anyone follow his commands. Jesse goes on a road trip to literally find God alongside his ex-girlfriend turned hitwoman, Tulip and a 100 year old vampire named Cassidy.
In comic book terms, “Preacher” was “The Walking Dead” before “The Walking Dead.” Although “Preacher” never reached the cultural impact that “The Walking Dead” currently enjoys, it’s remained popular among fans and it’s proven to be impossible to adapt… so far. Outside of HBO, AMC is one of the few networks that could pull off a “Preacher” TV show without losing the elements that made “Preacher” popular in the first place.
Adding “Preacher’ to AMC’s lineup would also be a logical move for the network as it looks for something that can potentially build upon the success of “The Walking Dead.”
So far, AMC has not commented on the “Preacher” rumors. But if the reports are true, we may find out shortly.
