As one of the co-writers of DC Comics' "Jonah Hex" series, Jimmy Palmiotti understandably has high hopes for the Warner Bros. live-action film adaptation. Luckily for the writer-artist, any doubts that he may have had were quelled by a visit to the production in which he not only saw two "major scenes" being filmed, but also had a close encounter with the iconic character brought to life.
"We get to the set and there on horseback is [Josh] Brolin in full Jonah Hex makeup with the hat and the coat on," Palmiotti described in an interview with MTV News. "He just walks by us slowly on the horse and looks down at us, and I have to say -- he looks amazing."
While on the set of "Jonah Hex," Palmiotti and co-writer Justin Gray met the film's star and his on-screen nemesis, John Malkovich. The actors spoke with the comic book veterans about both the movie and the source material, and found that their work wasn't being ignored by the cast and crew. In fact, "Jonah Hex" readers should find some very specific call-outs to the comic peppering the movie.
"Everyone was so nice and up to date on the books, so much so that in the film, the art director used a lot of our books to set up the scenes," Palmiotti revealed.
Palmiotti said he'd been allowed to view two major scenes filmed during his visit, including one based on a particularly memorable cover by Jordi Bernet.
"We were pretty blown away," Palmiotti said. "I know everybody says it's wild to see something you write about brought to life, but Justin and I were walking on air."
Having witnessed the production firsthand, Palmiotti was able to dispel some of the rumors about the film's plot. While some early reports pegged Malkovich's character as a voodoo practitioner, the writer's comments indicate that the movie isn't gunning for a supernatural angle.
"A lot of press about the movie has been odd -- rumors that there were zombies in it and this and that -- and none of that is true," he insisted. "It's a really straightforward western with some wild stuff thrown in."
[Ed. Note: Certain portions of this story have been edited/removed after publication. -RM]
What do you think of Palmiotti's description of "Jonah Hex"? Are you excited about the "straightforward western" direction, or would you prefer that the film had some voodoo magic?
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