Adam McKay Confirmed To Be In Talks To Direct 'The Boys'

As more and more graphic novels and comic books are adapted to the screen, studios are broadening the search for possible directors. It's not just proven talents in action, horror and fantasy, but established vets of just about any stripe.

Earlier this year we heard that Samuel Bayer (A Nightmare on Elm Street) wanted to direct an adaptation of the Garth Ennis series The Boys, but it wasn't a huge surprise to hear that the studio, Sony, wants someone a little different: Adam McKay, director of Anchorman and Step Brothers. Now Sony is reportedly close to getting him.

Collider reported that McKay was in talks, and EW confirmed the news. Without yet having seen McKay's upcoming The Other Guys, which looks to have a lot more action than most of his films, I'm not entirely sure what to think. (The Other Guys is also a Sony film.) But my basic response is the same as it was when McKay's name first came up: he could be a great fit for the material. There's enough talent in most crews that might surround McKay to make up for any deficit he might have when it comes to action. But his sensibility is obviously a near-perfect match for the humor that characterizes the writing of Garth Ennis, and that's the more difficult aspect to nail.

If McKay takes this job, it would certainly mean that Anchorman 2 really isn't happening any time soon. But we knew that, and I still think that's probably for the best.

Here's a synopsis of The Boys:

This is going to hurt! In a world where costumed heroes soar through the sky and masked vigilantes prowl the night, someone's got to make sure the "supes" don't get out of line. And someone will! Billy Butcher, Wee Hughie, Mother's Milk, The Frenchman, and The Female are The Boys: A CIA-backed team of very dangerous people, each one dedicated to the struggle against the most dangerous force on Earth – superpower! Some superheroes have to be watched. Some have to be controlled. And some of them, sometimes, need to be taken out of the picture. That's when you call in The Boys!