Lionsgate has just revealed that they’ve acquired domestic and UK distribution rights to The Spirit, a live adaptation of the classic Will Eisner comic book series. The script was written by Frank Miller, who will also direct the production. This deal marks the beginning of a multi-film pact under which Lionsgate and Odd Lot Entertainment will co-finance and co-produce together.

The Spirit tells the tale of a man who fakes his own death in order to fight crime from the murky shadows of Central City. His nemesis is a character known as the Octopus, who kills those unlucky enough to see his face. Octopus is looking to wipe out the entire city, and it’s up to the Spirit to save everyone.

The Spirit will be Frank Miller’s first solo directing effort, having first gotten behind the camera to co-direct Sin City with Robert Rodriguez. Miller also created the graphic novels that were eventually adapted into the films Sin City and 300. The product start of The Spirit will be directly influenced by the start date of the Sin City sequel that Miller is scheduled to make with Rodriguez.

If Miller’s past screen efforts are any indication, The Spirit will be a can’t miss feature film.