Jay Baruchel writing RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE and EXORCISM DIARIES

Jay Baruchel is set to write the adaptation of Kickstar Comics' Random Acts of Violence and is close to a deal to rewrite Summit's Exorcism Diaries. He will write both projects with his writing partner Jesse Chabot.

Random Acts is based on the comic written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray (DC’s Jonah Hex). The violent story follows "two comic creators and their ultimate horror character Slasherman creation gone very wrong. The creators start to see success flowing like a river, but when that river turns bloody and people start dying in the midst of a signing tour, it becomes clear that their creation has taken a life of its own."

Kickstart (run by Jason Netter) just released the comic for download on Comixology. The company produces comics-based material and was involved in Wanted starring Angelina Jolie and the Syfy series Painkiller Jane (created by Palmiotti). Adaptations of Preacher, The Boys and Monster Attack Network are also in the works.

Exorcism Diaries is based on the book The Real Story Behind The Exorcist by Mark Opsasnick. Roy Lee, Sonny Mallhi and Doug Davison are producing the project, whch was acquired as a pitch by Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe. The story follows "a reporter searching for the truth behind the most famous exorcism in history, but soon discovers that the real-life story is not quite finished. As a result, she finds herself in harm’s way of the same supernatural entity that she is chasing." The project is being overseen by Summit's Erik Feig, Michael Schaefer and Sophie Cassidy.

Baruchel recently joined the cast of David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis and will reprise the voice of Hiccup in DreamWorks Animation’s sequel to How To Train Your Dragon. I am looking forward to seeing him next opposite Seann William Scott and Liev Schreiber in Goon (which he also co-wrote and produced). I like him as an actor and am excited to see his take on these cool stories. 

What are your thoughts on this news?