Fear Agent Movie is in Development
105 Posted on Jul 14, 2009 in articles by Josh Flanagan |
From the moment I fell in love with Heath Huston's comic adventures, it was pretty obvious that this would make a killer summer movie. Well, it looks like it's happening.
As always, I feel the need to emphasize that development doesn't mean you'll ever see an actual movie, but people are being paid to write a script, and they'll be looking for a director to attach and make the thing move forward.
Some of the most fun comics I've read in the last few years have been issues of Fear Agent, and the mind boggles at the number of cool alien blasting adventures that would look pretty great on the big screen.
No word whether my Pick of the Week review, printed in issue 24 will be part of the plot. We'll be sure to let you know.

Comments
Nathan Fillion!! It needs his sexy roguish charm.
Posted by Garrett on 07/14/09 at 04:51 PMThank you, Garrett.
Cowboys and Aliens has been in in development hell for about 10 years, so I'm not going to get excited over this one until it starts filming.
Posted by BrowncoatJedi on 07/14/09 at 04:56 PMMaybe a cleaned up Josh Holloway
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 04:57 PMI have to second Nathan Fillon.
Posted by CGPO on 07/14/09 at 05:18 PMAny word on when the Fear Agent Omnibus will be coming out? I enjoyed the first trade, but when I heard Remender said an omnibus would come out soon collecting the whole series, I thought I'd wait for that. But now I'm getting antsy...
Posted by mrlogical on 07/14/09 at 05:18 PMI've read only one issue, but loved it and also heard talk of an omnibus and am waiting patiently.
Posted by Fvckstick on 07/14/09 at 05:32 PMBen Affleck. He was the bomb in Phantoms yo.
Posted by s1lentslayer on 07/14/09 at 05:38 PMAt first I think of Jason Lee but then I think more on it and i don't really see it, well not as strongly as when I first thought of it.
Posted by Guardedmarman on 07/14/09 at 05:53 PMI like the Josh Holloway choice.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 05:54 PMI don't know about you guys, but I think Nathan Fillion would be great in this. He's perfect.
Posted by ron on 07/14/09 at 05:57 PMYes, Nathan Fillion would be very good.
@Paul - I nominated you first, dammit. Personally, I think you should get the spot based solely on your photoshopping skills.
@Ron - I agree 100%. Fillion is perfect. Of course, that means he has no shot at the part, but one can dream.
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 06:04 PMI actually don't think that Fillion is a good fit (business reasons aside which don't make him a fit) for Heath. I don't really see him as the Heath Huston type - I see someone a bit more broad shouldered and rugged. If you could put Fillion's personality into, like, Adam Baldwin's body that *might* work.
Posted by conor on 07/14/09 at 06:16 PM@Paul - you know who would make a good Josh Holloway?
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 06:16 PM@Conor - I don't think that's possible with science.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 06:17 PM@Conor - So Brad Pit?
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 06:18 PMActually, Brad Pitt is a great choice.
Posted by conor on 07/14/09 at 06:19 PMHere's one: If they said Matthew McConaughey was being considered, how would you feel?
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 06:22 PMSo 5 volumes, I see on Amazon. I'll have to check out the preview.
Posted by KickAss on 07/14/09 at 06:22 PM@Paul - It'd be a landmark film for having the first "shirtless in space" scenes
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 06:23 PMOh no not Brad Pitt, I like him but too pretty.
I like Fillion too, but his appearance is also not macho enough.
Bruce Campbell, that's who I would use.
Pity he wouldn't get the pull since he's not box office meat.
Posted by Crucio on 07/14/09 at 06:24 PM@Heroville - You obviously haven't perused my dvd collection.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 06:25 PM@Crucio: And he's about 20 years too old.
Posted by conor on 07/14/09 at 06:30 PMBrad Pitt really would be awesome as Heath. Especially with a really good director at the helm.
Posted by gobo on 07/14/09 at 06:31 PM@gobo: I'm liking this Brad Pitt thing more and more. And I don't think he's too pretty -- Heath himself is a good looking guy, women love him.
Posted by conor on 07/14/09 at 06:34 PM@Crucio: I take that back, he's not 20 years too old, he's only about 10-15 years too old, but he's also in no kind of shape to play Heath.
Posted by conor on 07/14/09 at 06:36 PMI honestly don't understand the love for Nathan Filion that people who frequent this website have.
Anways, the thought of a Fear Agent movie is the best thing I've heard all day
Posted by 2frog on 07/14/09 at 06:39 PM@Conor: Campbell is 51 to Pitt's 46.
Heath looks to be at least 15 years older then me and I'm 31. So it's pretty close to what I would imagine. Plus they have the same hair, jaw and cheek bones. I wish I knew how to post a pic of both their head shots. Heath looks like he was drawn from Campbell.
Posted by Crucio on 07/14/09 at 06:39 PMPersonal hypothesis proven: My random smart ass comments are more than often my best ideas
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 06:40 PMI know that it's already been mentioned but can we please get off the Nathan Fillion thing? I think outside the box! Just because the dude was in a Joss Whedon show doesn't mean he's prefect for every nerd-culture related movie. the same thing goes for Bruce Campbell, the man's 45 plus years old!
How about Hugh Jackman, Toby Macquire, Robert Downing Jr or Christian Bale?
Garret Dillahunt Boo-yay!
Posted by edward on 07/14/09 at 06:41 PM
@Crucio: I put Heath at 35-40. But it's all about appearances. Actors have ranges -- ages they can play. Bad Pitt has kept in shape and can play younger. I'd buy him in a roll as a late 30s/early 40s guy. Campbell has not. Do you watch BURN NOTICE? He's not in great shape.
I'm a huge Campbell fan but as he is right now, he's all wrong for Heath.
Posted by conor on 07/14/09 at 06:42 PM@conor I have to disagree that Nathan Filion wouldn't make a good fit. He has good range in skills and he has shown he can be kickass and funny at the same time. Brad Pitt is a little overrated based on his most recent performances from Benjamin Button, Burn After Reading. Now that might be untrue after seeing his upcoming flick, but that's my general sense because the previous acting was a little flat and shallow.
I think and I would have to assume that @conor and most of would have to agree that depending on who is the director and what the script is really will set the direction on who should be cast. I know its fun to play the guessing game, but we might get our favorite and get a crappy director/script and it would be like X-men 3 all over again. How would you feel if that happens? Probably upset and sad that the film was a waste, but if its a actor you didn't like with a lousy director/script you just walk on by and never knew that it happen like Ghost Rider. I'd rather wait to find out who the director is and what kind of script then start playing the guessing game.
Posted by mongo on 07/14/09 at 06:50 PMBenjamin Button was great. Not a perfect film, but Pitt offered a nice, restrained performance. I was really impressed with him in that.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 06:55 PM@Conor: I havn't even heard of Burn Notice might not be in Canada yet, last thing I saw Campbell in was a cameo in Spider-man 3 maybe 2? Not sure. I just pulled up head shots of Heath and Bruce and they're spitting images of each other but I have no idea when the shot was taken, if he looks older then his age then I readily admit it wouldn't work.
I still think Pitt is too pretty, I see a difference between rugged handsome hard lived space dude and his looks but I've seen him pull it. He'd definetly be able to act the role, since few have wider range then him.
@edward: wow, you say avoid Fillion and Campbell because of the geek fascination and then list off Wolverine, Spider-Man, Iron Man and Batman.
I'm not sure who I'd go with now.
Posted by Crucio on 07/14/09 at 06:56 PMGoogle "Bruce Campbell, Burn Notice" for a current image of the guy (who still rules by the way, just at a different mass and volume).
Pitt and Holloway are my top picks from the discussion so far.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 06:59 PM@Conor: Yes he has gone....soft. That show looks interesting, going to have to read some reviews see if it's worth downloading.
@Paul: I think I'm leaning towards Holloway. He feels around the right age. I should get off of strick appearances though since my gut reaction was his shoulders were not broad enough.
Posted by Crucio on 07/14/09 at 07:07 PM@Crucio - Burn Notice is a lot of fun. Highly recommended.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 07:09 PMI should be a professional casting agent, how the hell do you even get that job?
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 07:09 PM@Heroville - I actually know one. You intern at smaller places and move up from there.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 07:10 PMWell no choice, I say we go with Ryan Reynolds, declare him lead of all Comic Book movies here on out. On the plus side Wonder Woman can also go on being made now with a name tied to it, he'll look good in the golden eagles...havta CGI some breasts in. On the down side, I can't believe I spelt "Strict"..."Strick" in my previous post.
I am ashamed.
Off to acquire Burn Notice.
Posted by Crucio on 07/14/09 at 07:20 PM@Curcio: are you for real? or did you just over-ironic my ironic statement?
Posted by edward on 07/14/09 at 07:26 PMSTOP EVERYTHING!
What about Chris Isaak?!
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 07:34 PMNow we're talking
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 07:37 PM@Paul - Is Chris Isaak too pretty? (Also, can we start everything again??)
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 07:40 PMChris Isaak isn't pretty, per se. He's beautiful in the way that Biblical heroes were beautiful. Like David or the one who almost got cut in half by his dad.
Chris Isaak could star as Heath, score the film, and provide a hit music video in the vein of Men in Black.
You assume I'm being sarcastic. I am not.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 07:43 PM@edward: I may have, but if I did I meant it in the strictest idea of a juxtaposition of an incongruous event or I may have not.
I say pull one out of left field and use Cate Blanchett.
Any opinions on Sean Bean?
Posted by Crucio on 07/14/09 at 07:46 PMBut how do we know if Biblical heroes were beautiful? Obviously, Jesus was a magnificent pale skinned, blue eyed lady killer (according to my western Kentucky southern baptist upbringing), but the rest of them might have been fugly.
If I recall correctly, the one who almost got cut in half was actually named Isaac, so (if you will allow me to make a strawman argument) Chris Isaac has to play Heath.
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 07:51 PMI'm the only kid who got that illustrated bible off TV? It's like Conan with lessons!
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 07:56 PMBruce Cambell is the obvious choices in looks, but sadly, a bit too old. The thing is, Cambell has that odd sort of gravitas to pull it off. Alas. I love Paul's idea of Chris Isaak. However, he's not looking so great either. I hadn't thought about Fillion, but he's a little too good looking and smarmy to be Heath. You need to be a bit of a Wolverine to be Heath, if you know what I mean. Adam Baldwin might be a good choice. Though I guess he'd just be playing Jayne again?
Posted by PraxJarvin on 07/14/09 at 08:00 PM
I'd like to see it made into a high budget anime film using Moores character designs but I guess that wouldn't put bums on seats. Its just hard to imagine live action doing it justice. Worse yet Hollywood will schmaltz up Heath and Mara's relationship.I can already hear the string symphony rising up out of nowhere as they finally embrace,and the bile in my throat rising with it.
Posted by Fugmo on 07/14/09 at 08:01 PM@Paul - Our bible wasn't allowed to have pictures in it. That is a sin. My grandfather was a southern baptist preacher, so in my house everything (masturbation, chewing with your mouth open, making eye contact, breathing noisily, etc) was a sin.
I can't believe your heathen parents allowed you to read a picturebook bible. This explains so much.
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 08:02 PM@stulach, @paul There aren't too many glowing descriptions of people in the Bible. Like, I'm pretty sure most of the Old Testament guys are old and decrepit when God decides he needs them to do stuff. I really only remember Joshua being said be good looking. And women are usually only said to be good looking in the Bible when they're the cause of some great evil. Compare Delilah's beauty to Ruth's homeliness. (Her original name was Mara, you don't know good looking people "Bitter Herb.")
Posted by PraxJarvin on 07/14/09 at 08:05 PMI wouldn't say chris Isaak is in bad shape. He's not a matinee idol, but (numbers aside) I think he'd be good in that role.
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 08:07 PM@PraxJarvin - I didn't need the bible to tell me that attractive women are evil. Sonia taught me that one.
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 08:10 PMMoving on...
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 08:11 PMPaul, I'm from the South and I'm pretty sure that you're going to Hell for saying that Chris Isaak is Biblical hero beautiful.
Fortunately, I know someone who can save your soul. He doesn't have email but write a letter saying you want to be forgiven and I'll make sure he gets it.
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 07/14/09 at 08:17 PM@UltimateHoratio.... Conor?
Posted by PraxJarvin on 07/14/09 at 08:19 PMHow about John Barrowman?
Also, the person ultimatehoratio is referring to is me. I don't have email, but I do charge $30 per Baptism. $40 if you're Catholic (holy water ain't cheap).
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 08:20 PMChris Isaak looks like Lucifer before the Fall.
The physical appearance of an Angel, with the vocal range and loyalty of a 12 year old basset hound. He's perfect!
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 08:22 PMJohn Barrowman is a thought, stulach. But I don't know. Much as I love Captain Jack Harkness, that is. Though with Barrowman involved, Houston would become an omni-sexual character, me thinks, which would be an interesting take. ;-)
Posted by PraxJarvin on 07/14/09 at 08:24 PM@Paul - *sigh* Each of your posts gets you closer to hell.
Seriously though, John Barrowman has the look and some chops.
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 08:25 PM@Paul that's cool that you like him in BB. Like I said I've felt unimpressed with his last two performances but I'm ready to give him another chance in the bastards Tarantino flick.
I'd say if HH is got to be from Texas you can go one of two ways depending on how they want to make a film. You can either go the old cowboy like Tommy Lee Jones or crazy redneck. Crazy redneck sounds like a fun way to go.
Posted by mongo on 07/14/09 at 08:30 PM
I've changed my mind -- I want Mike Rowe to play Heath Huston.
Posted by conor on 07/14/09 at 08:31 PMToo bad he's not a little younger, but I would say Kurt Russell.
Posted by Kory on 07/14/09 at 08:33 PMJack Black?
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 07/14/09 at 08:35 PM@conor - He certainly has the look, but can he act (drunk)?
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 08:36 PM@ultimatehoratio - You nailed it. Case closed. Where is Paul to shout HOLD EVERYTHING when you really need him.
Posted by stuclach on 07/14/09 at 08:37 PMI am duper stoked great book probably my favorite trades. I say we give it too..... Ryan Rynalds, green lantern deadpool Heath he could be our savior. How about Ray Liota
Posted by SplifEOC on 07/14/09 at 09:04 PMBrad Pitt....or BRUCE CAMPBELL?
Pitt or CAMPBELL?
I think you can tell what my pick is by how I capitalized it. :)
Posted by TheNextChampion on 07/14/09 at 09:13 PMSo TNC is down for Pitt, awesome
Posted by Heroville on 07/14/09 at 09:19 PMActually Mike Rowe would be an inspired pick. He does the humor and that put upon look of an everyman very well. Does he actually act? I love his shows.
Posted by Crucio on 07/14/09 at 09:36 PMJohn C. Riley. Nuff said.
Posted by Jurassicalien on 07/14/09 at 09:37 PMThis guy, whoever he is, has to be able to take unrelenting punishment both physical and psychological, much of it self-inflicted. Assuming the Hollywood version is anywhere near as merciless to its main character.
I've got it!: Ryan Reynolds.
Posted by Jimski on 07/14/09 at 09:50 PMMaybe Bruce Campbell could play Heath's dad.
Cole Hauser.
Posted by josh on 07/14/09 at 10:48 PM@Heroville: Touche! :)
@josh: Is that character like Campbell? Cause to be honest, other then Heath, I dont remember most of the people in the book.
@Jimski: That's perfect!....Wait...
Posted by TheNextChampion on 07/15/09 at 12:08 AMJosh Brolin would be great. He looks pretty dang close to Heath, and I think he has the acting chops and physical abilities that he could play Heath perfectly.
Posted by Spoons on 07/15/09 at 02:14 AMFILLION.
Posted by Ruo21 on 07/15/09 at 03:03 AMLike I said before: Clive Owen
Posted by Bendrix on 07/15/09 at 05:06 AMCan anybody check to see if Ryan Reynolds is available?
Posted by ato220 on 07/15/09 at 08:02 AM@ mrlogicol
wnt be out until august 2010.
i was going to wait for it but at this rate...i duno.
Posted by philipgraves068 on 07/15/09 at 08:13 AM
maybe Edward Norton, Chris Evens, Brandon Routh or Ian McKellen?
Posted by edward on 07/15/09 at 08:25 AMAnother suggestion: Joel Gretsch
Posted by Heroville on 07/15/09 at 09:14 AMWhy has no one suggested Steve Guttenberg?
Posted by BettyWhite on 07/15/09 at 10:50 AMGerard Butler anyone? Can look pretty or rugged.
Posted by roadcrew1 on 07/15/09 at 11:12 AMSuper excited for this movie!
As for casting...I could see Brad Pitt, but honestly, Fillion would fit perfectly in my opinion. Not just to be on the bandwagon (although he is a fantastic actor) but I think he's got the chops for the role, much like I thought he would've for Hal Jordan too.
Brad Pitt is not a bad choice though...and it's more likely than Fillion, so here's hoping :P
Posted by Brian on 07/15/09 at 11:40 AMGerard Butler is many wonderful things, but "Texas" is not among them.
Posted by josh on 07/15/09 at 01:28 PMBilly Crudup?
Posted by SunnyvaleTrash on 07/15/09 at 01:43 PMStephen Moyer?
Posted by chlop on 07/15/09 at 04:02 PMThe more unknown your Heath actor is, the smaller your production and marketing budget.
Posted by josh on 07/15/09 at 04:22 PMTom Cruise?
Posted by chlop on 07/15/09 at 04:53 PMDaniel Day Lewis
Posted by BettyWhite on 07/15/09 at 05:13 PMMuch in the same way that some characters just deserve to be played by an English actor (eg. Gandalf), I think Heath Houston deserves to be played by a Texan. For whatever reason there's somthing unique to the Texan mythos that deserves honesty in its portrayal. This is one of the reasons that, love him though I do, I always kind of threw up in my mouth a little when people wanted to cast Johnny Depp in Preacher. And I'm from Minnesota, so it's not as though I'm saying this with some sort of bias.
Posted by JonSamuelson on 07/15/09 at 05:15 PMAnd... Having said that, I'm gonna suggest a Canadian....
Kevin Durand, he played Keamy on LOST, and was also in 3:10 to Yuma.
Posted by JonSamuelson on 07/15/09 at 05:22 PMDaniel Day Lewis would be awesome as heath
Posted by edward on 07/15/09 at 10:31 PMBruce would be awful but the guy he co-stars with in Burn Notice, Michael Donovan woudl be awesome.
Posted by 0and18 on 07/15/09 at 11:40 PMOpps I mean Jeffrey Donovan, got his real name and character name all mixed together.
Posted by 0and18 on 07/15/09 at 11:41 PMClive Owen? Gerard Butler?
Posted by njfuzzy on 07/16/09 at 04:16 PMJohnny Knoxville. He'd be awesome.
Posted by Lewis on 07/16/09 at 09:33 PMLets just lock any actor who has ever appeared in a show/movie with stubble on their face in a big room and let them fight it out for the honour.
Posted by Fugmo on 07/16/09 at 10:50 PMGoos idea Fugmo. Make sure Ben Fosters there too.
Posted by s30 on 07/17/09 at 09:17 AMRicky Gervais?
Posted by chlop on 07/17/09 at 10:27 AMDude, I shouldn't have sold all my bac issues. Damn.
Posted by DenverDave on 07/17/09 at 01:36 PMNathan Fillion hands down
Posted by rayclark on 07/18/09 at 06:09 PM


Awesome news!
I nominate....me!
Posted by PaulMontgomery on 07/14/09 at 04:49 PM