Director Darren Aronofsky has now emerged as the main contender to direct Columbia Pictures' upcoming graphic novel adaptation Preacher, according to Newsarama.

We reported back in April that director Sam Mendes, who was originally signed to direct, was no longer attached to the project. Columbia Pictures is currently seeking a new director for a 2011 start date, and Darren Aronofsky is "being targeted" as the guy for the job.

It was reported a few days ago that Darren Aronofsky is a major contender to direct the upcoming Christopher Nolan produced Superman remake. Since Warner Bros. is looking to shoot Superman in 2011 as well, it now seems that Darren Aronofsky will have to choose between the two high profile projects.

The Preacher graphic novel was created by Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon, and centers on a priest named Jesse Custer. After he becomes possessed and slaughters his entire congregation, he goes on a quest to 'literally' find God.