The world is now one step closer to a legitimate Hollywood adaptation of a Dean Koontz novel. Of the fifteen or so that have reached the screen only two, Demon Seed and Phantoms, came from anything resembling a major studio/distributor. The rest have been a mixed bag of TV movies, mini-series, and direct-to-DVD releases. But there are currently two films in pre-production that hold great promise for fans of the author’s many novels screaming to be turned into feature films. Director Ole Bornedal is set to direct The Husband for Focus Features, but there’s been little movement there since the announcement two years ago. And Universal Pictures is planning on releasing Stephen Sommers’ film version of Odd Thomas. Bringing Odd Thomas closer to reality is the recent announcement that Anton Yelchin will be starring in the title role. Yelchin was last seen in 2009′s one-two punch of Star Trek and Terminator Salvation, and while he was out of sight throughout 2010 the next two years look to be even busier for the young actor. In addition to the recent Sundance hit Like Crazy and the remake of Fright Night, he’ll next be seen in Jodie Foster’s The Beaver. Per IMDB he has an additional three films lined up through 2012 as well, so we’ll have to wait and see where Odd Thomas fits into it all.

In the Long Time Coming department, news has arrived concerning a film adaptation of Dean Koontz’ bestselling thriller The Husband. Director Ole Bornedal, best known for the morgue thriller Nightwatch (both a foreign version and domestic remake) has been signed to make the film for Focus Features.

Bestselling author Dean Koontz was at Comic-Con over the weekend and made the first official announcement regarding an Odd Thomas movie.

If you’re like me, and you are – you handsome devil you – then you’ve been shaking uncontrollably since last Summer, fiendishly awaiting the next Comic-Con to roll around. In a little over a month, you’ll get your overdose, but in the meantime, the list of confirmed special guests should be enough to get you through the cold, lonely nights.