Ryuhei Kitamura to Direct Top Cow’s Magdalena

Japanese director Ryuhei Kitamura is going to be one busy guy in the next few years. Mere days after we learned he would be directing the horror movie “Teratoma” for Joel Soisson, Kitamura is now being attached to direct Top Cow Comic’s big-screen version of their “Magdalena” comic book series. The movie was previously announced last year, with “Step It Up’s” Jenna Dewan attached to star as the titular holy warrior, a descendant of Mary Magdalene and protector of the Catholic Church. Luke Goss is also attached to star.

The Hollywod Reporter also reports that screenwriter Holly Brix will get first crack at adapting the comic book into a big-screen movie for Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Motion Pictures. Platinum Studios and Top Cow Productions will produce alongside the veteran Hurd’s company.

Kitamura’s first American film was the Lionsgate-torpedoed “Midnight Meat Train”, a horror movie that, while somewhat in his wheelhouse really didn’t show off the Kitamura that developed a cult fanbase following his low-budget hit “Versus”. “Magdalena”, with its medieval weapons-swinging superheroes and villains, should offer up more chances for Kitamura to show off his trademark visual flairs.

Below: “Is that a huge glowing magical spear or are you just happy to see me, Jenna?”