Merrick

Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and TRANSFORMERS / J.J. TREK scripters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are setting out to bring Scott Mitchell Rosenberg's graphic novel COWBOYS & ALIENS to the big screen as a live action feature for Universal & DreamWorks.

The project will be penned by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby - who recently authored scripts for CHIDLREN OF MEN and IRON MAN.

The graphic novel mixes Western and science fiction genres. Set in 1800s Arizona, a skirmish between cowboys and Apaches is interrupted by the crash landing of a space ship. The alien commander plans to tame the Old West and enslave everyone, but the cowboys and Native Americans turn their six-guns against the alien invaders.

...says THIS ARTICLE in Variety.

I seem to recall a Jan de Bont project a while back - I can't remember the name of the damn thing. I believe it was about what happens when the balance of power in a fight between cowboys & "Indians" (Native Americans) is changed by the introduction of a device from another world. I may not have this exactly right, but it's SOMETHING like that. Always wondered what happened to that project. If you recall, drop me a line, or elaborate in the Talkback below.

And then, of course, there's Kenny Rogers! Kenny Rogers just after the grueling preroll)! Wish this was on YouTube instead...