‘Preacher’ adaptation gets pilot order at AMC

Seth Rogen and his writing-directing partner Evan Goldberg have risked the ire of North Korea with their upcoming comedy feature “The Interview,” but their next project could offend even more people than that.

AMC has given a pilot order to “Preacher,” an adaptation of the comic book written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Steve Dillon at DC Comics’ mature readers imprint Vertigo. The pilot was written by “Breaking Bad” writer Sam Catlin and will be directed by Rogen and Goldberg, who will also serve as executive producers.

The comic book series, which ran from 1995 to 2000, told the story of a small-town Texas minister who becomes possessed by a supernatural entity and goes on a journey to find God. He’s accompanied by his ex-girlfriend, Tulip, and an Irish vampire. Along the way, they encounter all manner of bizarre characters, some of whom have names that can’t be printed here.

The comic definitely strays into religious territory that would be considered shocking and blasphemous to the more devout members of society. Which probably partly explains why it’s taken so long for the popular story to make the leap to the screen, despite being in some form of development since the 1990s.

In a statement, Rogen and Goldberg said, “‘Preacher’ has been our favorite comic since it first came out. Garth Ennis is one of our idols and it’s an incredible honor to be working on this.”

They then went on to promise they wouldn’t screw it up with too many, let’s say “dirty,” jokes.

Neal Moritz’s Original Film is also producing the pilot, which is being made through Sony Pictures Television. It will be produced next summer with an eye on a 2016 premiere if it goes to series.

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