Universal picks up Whedon's 'Goners'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Joss Whedon's script for a fantasy-thriller called "Goners" has been snapped up by Universal Pictures.

Universal reportedly paid seven figures for the script from the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator, Daily Variety reported Friday.

Whedon's directorial debut, "Serenity," premiered Thursday at Universal City Walk in Los Angeles and opens in wide release next Friday, Variety said.

Although Whedon has been cryptic in describing "Goners," it's expected to be in the supernatural vein of "Buffy" and its spinoff "Angel," Variety said.

Whedon said it will involve "a great deal of horror and some heroics."

The timing for "Goners" is up in the air with Whedon currently busy writing the script for the Warner Bros. comic book film, "Wonder Woman," which he's also going to direct.