SCI FI Developing The Phantom

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SCI FI Developing The Phantom

March 23, 2009

The Hollywood Reporter says that SCI FI Channel (soon to be Syfy) has greenlighted a fresh take on the comic book "The Phantom." The project will be a four-hour movie from production company RHI Entertainment.

"The Phantom" will be under consideration for a series order contingent on drawing a large enough audience.

"Phantom" has been adapted a few times without much success, but Halmi said the previous stumbles are a good reason to try again.

"That there hasn't been a successful 'Phantom' leaves the door wide open for us, since nobody has made it their own yet," Halmi said.

"The Phantom" is expected to hit the channel next year.

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Posted by: The Steve on March 23, 2009 at 01:33:55

If this is anything similar to their take on Flash Gordon....I won't care in the least.

Posted by: Jeramy PBF Studios RedbeardsBooty.blogspot.com on March 23, 2009 at 01:38:53

I kinda liked the Alec Baldwin Phantom.

Posted by: Nightwing77 on March 23, 2009 at 01:42:49

Sorry but that was Billy Zane in the Phantom. Alec Baldwin was in the Shadow

Posted by: Wil on March 23, 2009 at 01:44:07

Posted by: Jeramy PBF Studios RedbeardsBooty.blogspot.com on March 23, 2009 at 01:38:53

I kinda liked the Alec Baldwin Phantom.

You are thinking of "The Shadow". The last person to play The Phantom was Billy Zane in the 90's

Posted by: In Brightest Day on March 23, 2009 at 01:44:16

Alec Baldwin was The Shadow not The Phantom. Besides Billy Zane was a delight as The Phantom. He is one of the most underrated actors of any generation.

Posted by: max_jaybo on March 23, 2009 at 01:52:24

Oh yay, another series for "SyFy" to cancel in the first or fourth season.

Posted by: Abe on March 23, 2009 at 02:00:13

I thought the Phantom was solely Australian? Either way I, and my brother, hopes this is good.

Posted by: Our Day Has Come on March 23, 2009 at 02:22:53

as long as its Bruce Campbell lol

And to a previous commentor said
I too hope it doesnt blow like their take on
Flash Gordon
Jesus that was awful

Posted by: JLB on March 23, 2009 at 02:54:14

The 1996 "Phantom" film is probably one of my favorite guilty pleasures in modern-day film. Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, and Treat Williams were all great in their roles, and Catherine Zeta-Jones was the kind of villainess people love to hate. I was glad she finally was redeemd at the end. The film definitely deserves a proper DVD release, with extras and everything. 2011 is the 15th anniversary; Paramount needs to get on the ball!

As for this new Sci-Fi TV movie, I don't think I'll watch it. I'd like to see a 150-minute theatrical film, on an epic scale, in the vein of the 1996 effort but with a more serious villain.

Posted by: B. Trask on March 23, 2009 at 04:06:40

I think the biggest news out of this article is that the Sci-Fi channel is changing its name to "SyFy."

As if that's going increase their viewership.

"Coming up next: The Phantom...

...on SyFy."

Yeah. The young-uns'll sho 'nuff come ah-runnin' now.

SyFy. (Shakes head in shame)

Posted by: Mako Shark Esq on March 23, 2009 at 04:31:54

"greenlit"

Posted by: DownUnder on March 23, 2009 at 07:27:41

I'm pretty much with everyone else here - in fact, delighted to discover so many share my view of The Phantom movie.

I thought Billy Zane was excellent. He had a great take on the character, very light-hearted in some ways, but not from a comedic perspective - Zane's Phantom simply loved his 'job' and his way of life.

Zane famously lobbied for the role and underwent intensive training, not just in the gym but in movement and combat, and also studied many Phantom 'moves' and poses from the comics.

In short, he really deserved for the movie to have been a much better movie rather than what rapidly became a mish-mash of Indiana Jones adventure, wacky mysticism and Lord-knows-what!

The Phantom movie should have been better, and should have been the first in a series.

I'm not thrilled with Sci-Fi taking their hand to it - cv Flash Gordon - but then, BSG was very much the opposite of that.

If Sci-Fi can do it right, then strength to them - and let's consider having this be about The Phantom in today's world but with a guest spot by Zane as one of his ancestors, maybe in some flashbacks?

Posted by: Archangel on March 23, 2009 at 07:27:47

The Phantom movie was okay except they made it too cheesy with Billy Zane and Treat Williams with too many corny lines and jokes. Kristy Swanson (Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie for those of you who think Sarah Michelle Gellar was the only Buff) and Catherine Zeta Jones also starred in the movie. This movie got Catherine notice.

Posted by: Rodrigo on March 23, 2009 at 07:39:42

If not cast as Kraven The Hunter in Spider-Man 4. I hope Gerard Butler gets this role.

Posted by: Paul on March 23, 2009 at 07:40:47

Great post, DownUnder, I agree with most of it. Zane is great, a very underrated actor, and was perfectly cast in the part. I do like his film a lot, but it never touches upon the enormous potential this brilliant character has.

Frankly, I'm more excited about the upcoming movie version, The Phantom: Legacy, than the SyFy series. The writers obviously have no clue about Phantom history, judging from the announcement they made this summer. I don't mind them updating it, but this sounds like Purple Punisher or something.

Posted by: Joe24 on March 23, 2009 at 07:41:38

I totally agree with B. Trask. You took the words right outta my mouth bro. As if changing your name from Sci-Fi to SyFy is gonna make a difference and bring more viewers lol. Dumbasses lol!

Posted by: FuzzyDan on March 23, 2009 at 07:56:50

It's been said before, but after SciFi's Flash Gordon I don't hold out much hope for their take on The Phantom.

Posted by: Clark on March 23, 2009 at 08:07:34

Sci-fi is doing this? I fear for the Phantom then.
I can just see it now, a total retool so the ''modern'' public will accept and understand it.
When it fails, the heads will be left wondering WTF happened. we even changed our name.

I could be wrong of course and it becomes a hit, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Posted by: Victor on March 23, 2009 at 08:25:01

Billy was very,very good at playing The Phantom.I enjoyed the movie a lot more than "The Shadow". Billy is very underrated,yet his acting can be very unique compared to other actors. I loved his performance in "Dead Calm".

He reminds me a hell of a lot like the Superman Animated Series's Lex Luthor. So I really hope if they decide too get rid of Kevin Spacey(PLEASE!),they should definately cast Billy as Lex(PLEASE!).

I agree Gearad Butler would be great for the role,only cause Im thinking of "Phantom Of The Opera".But seriously, I think he could pull it off after seeing him in "300".

Posted by: CaptainStacy on March 23, 2009 at 08:26:37

Whenever im super-heroing out in the lush, green jungle, i like to wear my bright purple superhero costume...that way, the bad guys can't see me, lol...

Posted by: dEREK on March 23, 2009 at 08:32:42

Do the Batman and X-Men style of costumes...Make The Phantoms costume Black instead of Purple,makes sense.

Posted by: CocoaBeachFalcon on March 23, 2009 at 08:38:06

"Alec Baldwin was The Shadow not The Phantom. Besides Billy Zane was a delight as The Phantom. He is one of the most underrated actors of any generation. "

He's absolutely right. ... Listen to your friend Billy Zane, he's a cool dude.

Posted by: Luvcroft on March 23, 2009 at 08:42:59

Well, I am hoping its good. I think one of the best tv series of all time is Eureka and that's a Sci Fi show... I am hopeful, but with a bit of trepidation

Posted by: PUGGDOGG on March 23, 2009 at 09:26:11

The Phantom is my biggest hero. I've been a huge fan since 1994. I'm glad this is being made because The Phantom deserves much more attention than what he's had. The only reason why all the past attempts at bringing the Ghost Who Walks to life have failed in film and TV is because the people who produce the projects don't know or understand the character. They try too hard to Americanize him. Even though he's an American creation many of the original influences were from European backgrounds such as Robin Hood and King Arthur.

If SyFy continue the same way as people have done before there's a good chance it'll fail as well. All my fingers and toes are crossed. But I'm looking forward to the new movie being made Down Under. I'm hoping to work on the production myself as a storyboard artist or concept artist. The writer has forwarded my name to the producers of the movie.

Posted by: copacetic on March 23, 2009 at 09:44:28

Maybe if they want to try and make him even more boring.

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