Classic comic book hero Spawn has had a difficult time returning to the limelight after the 1990s. After nearly a decade of pushbacks and delays, Blumhouse's long-anticipated Spawn reboot is finally in the works again, with scriptwriter Brian Tucker (Broken City) announced as the new writer for the film.
Todd McFarlane will also be directing and producing the film under Blumhouse productions, which is known for horror films like The Purge and Get Out. Carla Hacken (Hell or High Water) is set to be the executive producer. The film finally has a solid production team, but little other information including cast members has been released. Hopefully, no more delays will be in the foreseeable future.
The Spawn reboot was already announced several years ago, but the film was quickly put on the backburner in 2017. Talks of the film began when it was announced that McFarlane would be writing the film while actors Jamie Foxx (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and Jeremy Renner (The Avengers) would be starring. The film was delayed until this recent announcement, but it is unclear whether these actors will still be attached to the film or not. The Hollywood Reporter, which broke the news about Tucker joining the project, notes that insiders say both actors could be re-approached once a new screenplay is complete. Blumhouse Productions adds another interesting element to the new film. Since it is a studio known for horror, Blumhouse will most likely supply the required darkness and suspense elements to the new film.
McFarlane created the Spawn character in a comic series that began in the early 1990s. Spawn served as a dark New York City anti-hero vigilante, who scoured the city fighting mobsters and organized crime. The first Spawn adaptation film, which came out in 1997, lacked McFarlane's involvement as he was not on the production crew. The film was poorly received due to its lack of direction and terrible CGI moments. Spawn stood along the lines of the 1995 Mortal Kombat film: a very nostalgic film that could have been better.
With few chances to expand and explore the Spawn universe, the new Spawn film could be a redeeming moment in the franchise. McFarlane's major role in the film should already guarantee a better quality film that is more in line with the iconic comic series.
McFarlane's creative direction knows no bounds and would greatly ground the film in the dark underworld more reminiscent of the late '90s animated series. Fans can hopefully anticipate more information and cast details to come soon.
Spawn is currently in development.
Source: The Holywood Reporter