1/25/2009

in

Paramount lets their film rights on the graphic novel run out.

Jeffrey Harris

According to the The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Pictures has decided to let the film rights of the graphic novel "Torso" lapse. David Fincher was attached to direct the film adaptation of the true crime comic created by Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko in 1998.  
  
The "Torso<" comic was based on the real-life 1934 to 1938 Cleveland Torso Murders. The serial killer only left the torsos intact of his victims, making identification difficult without testing for DNA or dental records available. The investigator of the murders was Eliot Ness, the famed member of the Untouchables who brought down Al Capone.  
  
Paramount has had the rights for "Torso" since January 2006. The project drew interest with Casey Affleck and Matt Damon with reports on Damon being Fincher's choice to portray Eliot Ness.  
  
Hollywood Reporter says the option for Paramount to extend their rights on the film adaptation expired. The studio still owns a screenplay written for the movie by Ehren Kruger. There are still discussions with Paramount and the comics' creators whom now hold the rights. Fincher still remains attached to the project at this time.