“The Phantom” Comic Becomes A TV Series

A live-action TV series based on Lee Falk’s classic comic strip “The Phantom” is in the works under the helm of filmmaker Reginald Hudlin (“Sidney,” “Candy Cane Lane”)

Hudlin will direct and produce the TV series, which is in development at King Features.

The strip followed the purple-suited hero who resides in the fictional African country of Bangalla. The Phantom is thought to be immortal but is actually a legacy hero – descended from twenty previous generations who adopted the same guise.

The character is also human, no superpowers, and must use his wits, reputation and athleticism to fight crime.

“The Phantom” boasts a global readership of more than 29 million, with key international markets including The Nordics, Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, the U.K. and Europe.

Two attempts to adapt the character to the screen were made – Billy Zane starred in a 1996 theatrical film which was both a critical and commercial flop. Syfy premiered a mini-series in 2009 starring Ryan Carnes.

Source: Variety