Way back in November 2008, we reported that Max Allan Collins, who wrote the graphic novel that the fantastic 2002 film Road To Perdition was based on, had written a screenplay for a film entitled Road to Purgatory, which he would also direct. At the time, Collins was also set to direct the film, which is based off his graphic novel sequel to Road To Perdition. I recently got to speak with Collins, who was promoting the Road to Perdition Blu-ray release that will hit the high-def shelves tomorrow, August 3, and I also asked him about the status of this film sequel, which seems to be moving forward. Take a look at what he had to say below.

Is there anything you can tell us about the status of Road to Purgatory? We reported on it a few years ago that you were adapting your own graphic novel and were directing the film. Is there anything you can tell us about that?

Max Allan Collins: Well, I can only tease, I'm afraid. We seem to be right on the brink, or maybe it's the precipice, I don't know (Laughs), of a deal being signed. Things have gotten very, very serious and I have, for years, held onto it as a project I would direct, because I have directed five independent films. It does look like, now, that I won't be directing, but it is my script. That's the most important thing to me, that the material be faithfully rendered. That isn't to say that you have to do it absolutely faithfully. There certainly are differences between my graphic novel and Road to Perdition, but the spirit of the story is there. Mendes really got it and understood it and, I think that, in some ways, enhanced it.

Can you tell us who will be directing this then?

Max Allan Collins: I don't know. We've been approached and the offer seems to be very, very serious. We have signed a round of paper but it is not nailed down yet and it looks to be pretty interesting. I will tell you that this will happen about 10 years after Perdition ends. Michael is 10 years older in Road to Purgatory.

Our initial story from 2008 did indicate that Michael Sullivan Jr., the son of Tom Hanks' character in the original film, returns home from World War II, seeking out vengeance for the death of his father.

It sounds like some announcements could be imminent for this new film project and we'll be sure to keep you posted with any further news about Road to Purgatory as soon as we have more information.