I’m not sure exactly how long I’ve been writing for BSR, but I’m pretty sure this is my third article on a possible “Preacher” series. But while previous articles strongly relied on the words “rumored” and “in talks,” all signs point to an actual pilot attached to an actual network. Rogen and Goldberg will be joined by “Breaking Bad” alum Sam Catlin as showrunner.
All of these things, on paper, are good. Rogen and Goldberg surprised a good many people with the smarts, laughs, and success of “This is the End.” And I might be a tad bit biased but I feel like the phrase “‘Breaking Bad’ alum” is an automatic plus for any project. But at the same time, I feel like I’m watching a family walk away with a dog I fostered. I’m really happy that “Preacher” might be getting a forever home, but I really hope that they take care of it. After all, this will be a show about a Preacher who possesses the voice of God, his hitwoman girlfriend, their friend the vampire, and the secret organization that… Well, I’d rather not get into that. I’d rather entice you into picking up a trade.
Thankfully the forever home is AMC, a network with a solid reputation not just for quality programming, but for genre-busting comics adaptation. They’re success with “The Walking Dead” shot up sales of the book, drove prices for early issues through the roof, and even inspired a non-comics based spin-off. Of course I want the same success for my most beloved of funnybooks, but it’s here that I lapse into that geek failing. We all know it. Some of us do it, some of us have escaped the trap completely, and some of us just suppress it better than others. It’s the problematic “What if they do a poor job of remaking this thing that I love so much? What if it’s misrepresented to a whole new generation of fans who will never know the beauty of Ennis and Dillon?” Or, more simply the “MINE!!!” syndrome.
The problem has an easy answer for me these days. I simply won’t watch it. I’ll suggest the book to fans of the show, and if they read it and like it well then that’s the bomb. But there’s still that little tug at my heart as I watch my three favorite puppies, Jesse, Tulip, and Cassidy, walk away with a comedian. Rogen and Goldberg claim that they love the books, but if you click the link above, and if you’re a fan of the book, you’ll inevitably wince at a particular exclamation and maybe be a little less optimistic about the future of any “Preacher” adaptation.
The series is still in the development stage of creation, and is nowhere near being an official series with an airdate or cast just yet. But these reports are far more concrete than anything I’ve read in the last ten or so years.
But screw it, let’s fancast! Back in the day, my choices were as follows. I’d love to hear your more modern picks!
- Jesse Custer – Jason Patric
- Tulip – Patricia Arquette
- Cassidy – Ewan McGregor
- The Saint of Killers – Clint Eastwood like WHOAH
- Arseface – I don’t think I had a pick back then, but the thought of DJ Qualls in this role makes me smile a lot.
- Herr Star – Jesse Eisenberg. Just kidding.