Universal Heeds “Call” Of Graphic Novel

Universal has picked up the rights to the Oni Press graphic novel series “The Last Call” and has chosen Evan Spiliotopoulos to write the screen adaptation.

Written and illustrated by Vasilis Lolos and first published in 2007, the horror-adventure series is about two teens on a joyride who get hit by a “ghost train,” which is carrying souls from this dimension to another. They wake up on the train and try to solve a mystery that will allow them to return to their regular lives.

Spiliotopoulos, who made a name working on such projects as “The Lion King 1 1/2″ and “Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie,” recently wrote the adventure feature “The Box” for Fox.

“Last Call” is the fourth Oni project set up at Universal. “Scott Pilgrim” is readying production, with Edgar Wright directing and Michael Cera starring. Also on the docket are “Leading Man” and “Resurrection.”

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