A Lanarkshire comic book writer is set to see one of his creations on the big screen after a new film adaptation was announced.
John Lees, from Rutherglen, penned the horror story Hotell in 2020, and the twisted tale has since spawned a sequel.
Now AWA Studios have revealed plans to bring the story, centred around a mysterious roadside motel in which both heroes and villains have to confront their demons, to the big screen.
Elle Callahan, who previously helmed horror films Head Count and Witch Hunt, has been lined up to direct and will also co-write the script with Anthony Ruff.
The news was announced via Hollywood news site Deadline.
John stated: "Hotell has been such a fun, rewarding comic to work on with Dalibor, Lee, Sal and the AWA team.
"The setting of Pierrot Courts works as a canvas within which you can tell all kinds of different horror stories, from the harrowing to the blackly comic, and introduce all manner of different characters. It’s also a world ripe for new interpretations, and I’m so excited to see how Elle Callahan will bring our haunted hotel to the world of film."
![](https://i2-prod.dailyrecord.co.uk/incoming/article21829956.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Hotell.jpg)
Elle Callahan added: "I aim to tell stories that push the horror genre in new directions — and my plan for this piece involves a very unique approach to the storytelling. This horror will feel all too relatable, and no doubt keep you up at night."
The comic earned comparisons to the likes of classic TV show the Twilight Zone for its clever plots and anthology format, with each issue focusing on a different character who had the misfortune to discover the Pierrot Courts hotel off America's famed Route 66.
AWA Studios, which was formed by various former Marvel staffers, released the comic originally, but the company also launched a film and television division last year.
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