'Horton' director signs for 'Jonah Hex'

Rex Features

Jimmy Hayward has been hired to direct comic book adaptation Jonah Hex for Warner Bros, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The Horton Hears A Who! director will make his live-action debut on the film, which is described as a supernatural western featuring a disfigured cowboy.

Hayward replaces Crank duo Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor on the film, who wrote the script but quit as directors in November citing creative differences.

W. star Josh Brolin is attached to play the eponymous gunslinger, with the movie expected to begin production in March or April.