Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) has picked up comic book adaptation The Spirit for France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, and Latin America excluding Brazil and Mexico.

The deal was brokered through Odd Lot International. Gigi Pritzker and Deborah Del Prete's Odd Lot Entertainment is producing the film with Lionsgate, which holds domestic rights and will also release in the UK in 2009.

Based on Will Eisner's The Spirit, the fantasy thriller tells the tale of a rookie cop who returns from the dead to fight crime in the fictitious Central City. Frank Miller, who wrote and co-directed Sin City, will direct based on his own adapted screenplay.

'The Spirit will be a tremendous addition to our 2009 slate as it represents the fantastic imagination and skills of two very creative visionaries - Will Eisner and Frank Miller,' SPWAG president Peter Schlessel said. 'Their huge fan base will ensure a strong market for what will be a unique movie going experience.'

'It is incredible to see the momentum and excitement for The Spirit building,' Del Prete said. 'We look forward to bringing Frank Miller's fulfillment of Will Eisner's vision to the world in a creative and business partnership with Sony.'

'We are delighted to be in business with Sony,' Lionsgate's president of film production Mike Paseornek said. 'We look forward to working with them in making The Spirit the movie event of 2009.'

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