James Purefoy might best be known for his work on NBC's The Philanthropist and HBO's Rome, but after seeing today's Comic-Con footage of the British actor portraying author Robert E. Howard's Solomon Kane, it's likely the actor may soon be heading for the A-list.

The film adaptation tells the heroic story of a savage warrior in 16th Century England who seeks redemption for a lifetime of sins by renouncing violence to live a life of purity, only to find himself compelled to pick up his sword once again to vanquish a growing evil.

Basset, Hadida and Purefoy were clearly anxious to sell the film to the crowd (maybe a bit too anxious), but judging from the reactions, they may have accomplished their mission.

Amidst showing numerous clips from the film — which prompted enthusiastic cheers from the Comic-Con audience — director Michael Bassett talked about his desire to do a sword & sorcery film akin to what hasn't been seen since the '80s, but with a fully serious tone. The footage certainly looks very cool, with some powerful dramatic moments — including a scene in which Kane is literally served up for dinner — and the swordplay is enough to make even Conan envious.

Fans were also excited to hear that the plan is to do a trilogy of films, with the African adventures next...though Bassett acknowledged that some of Howard's political incorrectness may be removed.

James Purefoy's performance is inspiring, and the actor acknowledged that his enthusiasm for what he was doing even led to being injured by sword during a fight sequence: his forehead was sliced open accidentally, prompting seven stitches by a skilled plastic surgeon in Prague.

From what we could see of the Comic-Con footage, it all comes through on screen.

Solomon Kane hasn't yet gotten a U.S. release date....but expect one soon.