The film will be budgeted at $87 million and will center on, "the Father/Son relationship, and what it means to be The Phantom," screenwriter Tim Boyle said in a statement. "The film will be set in the present day and will deal with the concept of destiny."
The original film starred Billy Zane as the title character, but it wasn't clear if he was returning for the sequel. It was said that the production is eyeing up several prominent American and Australian actors for the film, but they would not release names.
Filming should commence in Australia between the next six and nine months.
UPDATE: (9:15 AM, 12/16/08)
Screenwriter Tim Boyle has updated his MySpace page with some new information that this project is not a sequel, but a reboot of the original film. He gave a quick update on the film, which will be titled Phantom: Legacy, which you can read below.
Now that we've sort of got those 'Sequel' rumors under control, I guess I can start talking about what we're doing and where the project is at.
First of all, I've got to say - this is a very exciting time. Being able to bring the first masked comic superhero back to the big screen is an absolute honor. I've been researching The Phantom intensely for the last year or so and I've been working with the support of King Features Syndicate to try and bring you the tightest possible film. Yes, this is a new look at the comic book hero, but rest assured - He wont be 'heavily gadget man' (as that is another comic book hero named Batman) and he wont be an 'angry mob killer' (as 'The Punisher' -Frank Castle has been made into a film 3 times - remember the Dolph Lundgren film - that too was shot in Australia... old skool). He will be, without doubt 'The Phantom'. A man who has sworn an oath to protect - but at what cost?
First of all, I've got to say - this is a very exciting time. Being able to bring the first masked comic superhero back to the big screen is an absolute honor. I've been researching The Phantom intensely for the last year or so and I've been working with the support of King Features Syndicate to try and bring you the tightest possible film. Yes, this is a new look at the comic book hero, but rest assured - He wont be 'heavily gadget man' (as that is another comic book hero named Batman) and he wont be an 'angry mob killer' (as 'The Punisher' -Frank Castle has been made into a film 3 times - remember the Dolph Lundgren film - that too was shot in Australia... old skool). He will be, without doubt 'The Phantom'. A man who has sworn an oath to protect - but at what cost?
The Phantom was released June 7th, 1996 and stars Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones, James Remar, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Bill Smitrovich, Casey Siemaszko. The film is directed by Simon Wincer.
Comments (13)
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TXCANY
Add this to one to "Another unnecessary or desired sequel" column.
3 years agoby @txcanyFlag
killerman200
as long as there is no Alec Baldwin.
3 years agoby @killerman200Flag
Chad Vital
The Phantom didn't do well at all, I don't even remember if it was in the theater or not. I saw it on VHS whoo! lol.
I agree with you Kirk, The Shadow needs a sequel. Well actually, it deserves to be bigger than it was. I'd say, a reboot or remake to give it justice. Then if it does well, do a sequel. I know that's popular but who wouldn't like to see a big budget The Shadow movie? The last one wasn't bad but it coulda been so much more.
3 years agoby @chad-vitalFlag
knobie09
make it good this time,please?
3 years agoby @knobie09Flag
killerman200
Oops, my fault.
3 years agoby @killerman200Flag
gumperman
i don't think anyone is going to see it either! by the way it was jason patric who replaced keanu reeves in speed 2, not billy zane.
3 years agoby @gumpermanFlag
killerman200
I can only think this film ending up being direct to video. I mean who's going to see this. Btw, Zane was a bad replacement for Reeves in Speed 2.
3 years agoby @killerman200Flag
RingWraither
A sequel? I rather see a reboot than a sequel....
3 years agoby @ringwraitherFlag
Shelley
Sorry Billy, but I think someone younger should get the part. Not that 42 is old, but I think younger would be better.
3 years agoby @shelleyFlag
Diaigma
A sequel after over a decade? Treading on thin ice is safer, I think.
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
KirkEpsilon
what we need is some more of The Shadow now that movie was awesome
3 years agoby @kirkepsilonFlag
Chad Vital
Lmao I remember watching this movie thinking it was going to be awesome.
3 years agoby @chad-vitalFlag
KirkEpsilon
Please God! No Billy Zane! He was ok in the original but the movie just stunk all over. Time for some new stuff
3 years agoby @kirkepsilonFlag