Multi-hyphenate RZA, whose directorial debut The Man with the Iron Fists hits theaters next month, has signed on to direct an adaptation of Grant Morrison's new comic book Happy!.

The story centers on Nick Sax, a vile assassin who nearly dies after a hit goes bad. Inexplicably, the hitman begins to see Happy, a tiny blue horse whose sunny disposition never sours. Nick and his new friend team up to save the life of a troubled kid, just before Christmas, while trying to find redemption for the grouchy contract killer.

The comic book debuted last month through Image Comics. It was compared in tone to It's a Wonderful Life, Sin City, and The Care Bears.

Grant Morrison will write the adapted screenplay, with RZA directing and Reginald Hudlin producing. The trio plan to develop the project themselves before seeking a studio or financier.