A new installment in the Darkman franchise is officially in development, as acclaimed filmmaker Sam Raimi collaborates with directors Brian Netto and Adam Schindler. This marks a significant step for the beloved character, who first appeared in Raimi’s original 1990 film, which established a unique blend of superhero and horror genres.
Raimi, known for his work on the Spider-Man series, has partnered with Netto and Schindler, having previously collaborated with them on the horror anthology series 50 States of Fright for the now-defunct streaming platform Quibi. The directors are also set to helm Every House Is Haunted, another project produced by Raimi, based on the novel by Ian Rogers.
The script for the new Darkman film is reportedly complete, and Raimi is currently focused on securing financing. Details regarding whether this project will serve as a reboot or a sequel to the original film remain unclear.
Darkman’s Legacy and Characters
The original Darkman starred Liam Neeson as Peyton Westlake, a scientist whose groundbreaking work on synthetic skin becomes a nightmare when he is severely burned by gangsters. After being believed dead, Westlake adopts the persona of Darkman, using his mastery of disguise and unique abilities to seek vengeance against those who wronged him. The film was notable for its innovative special effects and compelling narrative, grossing approximately $48 million against a budget of just $14 million.
The success of the original led to two direct-to-video sequels, which featured Arnold Vosloo in the lead role, marking a shift from Neeson’s portrayal. The sequels did not achieve the same level of success as the original, but they have maintained a cult following among genre enthusiasts.
Raimi’s recent work also includes the darkly comedic thriller Send Help, which premiered in theaters this weekend. This film, starring Dylan O’Brien, showcases Raimi’s continued exploration of the horror genre, reinforcing his status as a pioneer in both horror and superhero filmmaking.
As the new Darkman project progresses, fans of the original film and newcomers alike will be eager to see how this classic character is reimagined for contemporary audiences. Updates on the project’s development are anticipated in the coming months.
