One of our own Chris Ullrich’s favorite films this year, Solomon Kane, has apparently been acquired for U.S. distribution by Lionsgate, a studio known for supporting genre and independent movies. According to Fangoria, who broke the news, there are rumblings that the film may even get a theatrical run prior to a DVD release.

Horror aficionados might be familiar with director Michael J. Bassett, who previously directed Deathwatch (2002) and Wilderness (2006). Soloman Kane is a character originally created by pulp fiction author Robert E. Howard, of  Conan the Barbarian fame. Stories about the character appeared in Weird Tales magazine in the 1920′s.

James Purefoy stars as the title character, who roams the earth trying to wipe out evil after the devil acquires his soul and he has a change of heart about his evil ways. The movie also stars prolific actor Max Von Sydow (Flash Gordon, Dune, The Tudors). No release date has been given yet but we’ll keep you posted on all the developments.

Solomon Kane, based on Conan creator Robert E. Howard’s series of stories, begins the film slashing his way around the world destroying anything, and anyone, who gets in his way. He even kills his own men, especially when they show cowardice. This tirade of evil comes to a screeching halt once Kane encounters the Devil’s Reaper, whom the devil has sent to collect Kane’s soul.

Kane, barely escaping with his life, realizes his evil ways have led him to this point and decides that he must change if he is to survive. Once he realizes the error of his ways, he then embarks on a new life, relinquishing violence in an effort to achieve redemption.

Of course, if Kane had stuck to that decision, this would be a very short movie indeed. Fortunately, he doesn’t and inevitably must return to his violent ways. But this time around, instead of the greedy, evil mercenary he once was, Kane now has a noble purpose and an actual chance at the redemption he seeks.

The innocent daughter of a Priest (Pete Postlethwaite) who had befriended Kane is taken prisoner and to save her, Kane will do whatever he needs to do — even if that means killing a few people along the way. Plus, an all-consuming evil is threatening to take over England and Kane has decided that man of peace or not, he can’t let that happen.

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There are quite a few big films set to release next year that are already starting their marketing campaign. One of these that we are particularly excited about is Solomon Kane. We were lucky enough to talk to director Michael J. Bassett and star James Purefoy (Rome) in San Diego during Comic-Con, after which we were convinced that this film is worth paying close attention to.

Over the weekend, the first trailer for the film got released, and it only made anticipation for the film greater. For those unaware, the film is based on the character created by Robert E. Howard, who also created Conan. The story follows Solomon Kane, the sword-wielding hero who takes down paranormal evildoers in order to preserve his spot in Heaven.

Check out the first trailer after the break. Even though you might be skeptical about this film, we can assure you that despite not having major studio distribution and it’s similarities to other films such as Van Helsing, this film is sure to be an epic success.

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