Comic Character Jonah Hex Getting His Own Film

January 6, 2009 8:52 a.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - DC Comics character Jonah Hex is getting his own live action debut in film. Warner Bros. has tapped the "Horton Hears a Who!" helmer for the new project.

Directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, who both wrote the script, were previously assigned on the film, but they bowed out over creative differences last year, as per Hollywood Reporter. Warner searched for their replacement and had included names such as McG and Andy Fickman on the shortlist before settling down with Hayward.

Production is slated to begin in March or April.

"Jonah Hex" tells the story of the titular character who is known for having the right side of his face horribly scarred. He was an officer for the Confederacy during the American Civil War, and is normally shown wearing a tattered Confederate States Army jacket.

Josh Brolin will be playing Hex.