'Adventures of Tintin' Co-Writer Joe Cornish to Direct 'Rust' for Fox

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Geeks delight.

The Adventures of Tintin co-writer Joe Cornish, who generated much buzz with his directorial debut Attack the Block, has signed on to direct the graphic novel adaptation Rust for 20th Century Fox.

The fanboy favorite, who is a frequent collaborator with Edgar Wright, will tackle the property written and drawn by Royden Lepp.

Published by Archaia, the graphic novel is described by the company as a “high-octane adventure set in the prairie lands of an unknown time. Life on the Taylor family farm was difficult enough before Jet Jones crashes into the barn, chased by a giant decommissioned war robot! Oldest son Roman Taylor struggles to keep his family's small farm afloat as the area heals from a devastating world war. While the rest of his family may not trust the mysterious boy with the jetpack, Roman believes the secrets of Jet’s past may be the key to their survival."

News of the deal began circulating as Comic-Con kicked off.

Aline Brosh McKenna, who adapted the screenplay, is producing alongside Fox-based Simon Kinberg, who was a producer on X-Men: First Class. Fox picked up the project just days ahead of Comic-Con 2011.

Cornish is repped by CAA.