Lionsgate has moved up
the nationwide release of its comic-book adaptation "The
Spirit" to Christmas Day.
The film, written and directed by Frank Miller ("Sin City")
and based on the comic-book series created by the late Will
Eisner, originally was slated to open January 16, 2009.
"The Spirit" stars Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson,
Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, Sarah Paulson, Stana Katic, Dan
Lauria, Jaime King, Paz Vega and Louis Lombardi.
Also slated to open on December 25 are Disney's "Bedtime
Stories" and Fox 2000 Pictures' adaptation of the bestseller
"Marley & Me."
Of the move, Lionsgate president of theatrical films Tom
Ortenberg said: "Comic-Con fans (in New York in March)
resoundingly confirmed what we felt in our bones about 'The
Spirit': This is a great film and an irresistible piece of
entertainment. ... For all of us, it was an easy decision."
International release dates have not yet been announced.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
In Theaters 
