James Purefoy has been cast in the lead on Samuel Hadida's upcoming comic book adaptation Solomon Kane.

Following what the producers called 'an exhaustive search', they have finally found the man to play the eponymous 16th century soldier and Puritan.

Kane is a damned soul following a life of cruelty and brutality, and must redeem himself by battling the forces of darkness.

Paris-based Davis Films is planning three episodes based on the comic books by Conan The Barbarian creator Robert E Howard.

Los Angeles-based Essential Entertainment is handling international sales. Michael J Bassett will direct from his own screenplay, and principal photography is set to begin in Prague.

Hadida called Purefoy 'a powerful and commanding screen presence', adding: 'Purefoy's ability to embody Kane's complex heroism, struggles and failings as he wages a mortal battle, made him the perfect modern hero in this epic fantasy.'

Purefoy recently starred as Mark Anthony in BBC/HBO series Rome. He is represented by CAA, Independent Talent Group, and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Davis Films' slate includes the video game adaptation Onimusha with director Christophe Gans, and Killing Suki Flood, to be directed by Louis Couvelaire.

The company is developing a sequel to the horror film Silent Hill and an English-language remake of Media Asia's Exiled.

Contantin/Davis' Resident Evil: Extinction recently opened number one
in North America and is rolling out overseas.