'The Spirit' Gets Christmas Debut

(FROM VARIETY) — Fans have been waiting a long time to see the directorial debut of comic-book legend Frank Miller (300, Sin City), but their wait just got a bit shorter. The Spirit, Miller's adaptation of Will Eisner's classic comic, is now due to be released on December 25, 2008. According to studio chief Tom Ortenberg, Lionsgate pushed the film's premiere up from January 16, 2009 — and into the heart of the holiday movie season — following its reception at New York Comic-Con in April. The Spirit is set to open against two broad comedies — Adam Sandler's Bedtime Stories, and Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson's Marley and Me — and it will now be eligible for consideration at the 2008 Academy Awards. (Variety)